Gary Steele and Hagan de Villiers elevated to joint executive creative directors at TBWA\Singapore

TBWA\Singapore has promoted Gary Steele and Hagan de Villiers to joint Executive Creative Directors. The pair will head the creative department, focusing on driving disruptive output for clients, and developing more creative opportunities. They will report to Edmund Choe, Chief Creative Officer, Singapore and Southeast Asia.

Steele (pictured left), previously Regional Creative Director at TBWA\Singapore, has consistently led innovative and effective work for brands such as Standard Chartered Bank ‘Here for good’, and Airbnb’s ‘Welcome to Airbnb’ and ‘A Different Paris’ campaigns.

He has picked up metal at international award shows including Cannes Lions, Spikes Asia, D&AD, Effies, AdFest, and Webby’s, and was recently named ‘Creative Director of the Year’ at the 2015 Hall of Fame Awards organised by the Institute Advertising Singapore.

De Villiers (right), previously Group Creative Director at TBWA\Singapore, has over 17 years industry experience working on global brands such as adidas, Diageo, Energizer, Michelin and Mondelēz. He is also highly awarded, having won metal at major international award shows including Cannes Lions, D&AD, LIA Awards and New York Festivals.

“I’m delighted to elevate Gary and Hagan to their new joint ECD roles,” said Ara Hampartsoumian, Managing Director at TBWA\Group Singapore. “They’ve both been instrumental in helping us become recognised as one of Singapore’s top creative agencies. With their infectious desire to disrupt the norm and create impactful work, they are well respected by clients, and are the perfect duo to lead us to a disruptive and successful future.”

Choe added, “I have absolute trust in both of them, and strongly believe that this special partnership will help TBWA\Singapore become a true Disruption® Company, partnering our clients which include some fast growing 21st century brands, to produce work that is nothing less than enviable.”