Top UK creative Simon Veksner joins DDB Sydney as CD, reuniting with ECD Dylan Harrison

December 15 2010, 5:00 pm | BY Kim Shaw | 22 Comments

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CB EXCLUSIVE: DDB Sydney has appointed Simon Veksner from BBH London as creative director, re-uniting him with former colleagues Dylan Harrison and Chris Brown. 

Veksner spent seven years at DDB London, during which time he co-created the Cannes Grand Prix winning VW ‘Cops’ ad with Harrison and has spent the last four years at BBH in London, where he was responsible for the creative direction of the Vodafone and Gordon’s Gin accounts.

One of the most highly-awarded creatives in the UK, Veksner boasts a haul that includes a Cannes Grand Prix, two D&AD Yellow Pencils, six pencil nominations, over 40 D&AD in-book entries, plus several Cannes Gold Lions, One Shows and Clios for high profile brands such as the Guardian Newspaper, Volkswagen, Channel 4, Vodafone, Barnados and Levis.

Dylan Harrison, ECD of DDB Sydney, said that lightning doesn’t strike twice. 

“I’m so excited to be reunited with one of the industry’s true talents and the experience, energy and insight he’ll bring to our great department,” he said. “Simon understands the creative culture at the heart of DDB and gets it’s all about the work. Most importantly, he’s built his career by consistently doing outstanding creative work on big brands, solving real client business issues across all media. He’s the real deal,” Harrison added.

Veksner, who married an Australian, said he’s thrilled to be moving to Sydney.

“In a way I feel like I’m coming home too, in returning to DDB. Just looking at the client list, the creative opportunities at DDB Sydney are among the best in the region. I can’t wait to get started,” he said.

Chris Brown, DDB Group Sydney’s Managing Director, added: “We have an ambition to be the very best creatively and deliver effective and innovative campaigns for our clients. To do this we need the very best people and Simon’s hire is a reflection of that. It’s an exciting time at DDB.”

Veksner joins an enviable creative line up at DDB Sydney that includes creative directors Mark Harricks, Matt Grogan, Steve Wakelam and Rupert Hancock.