DDB Sydney lures Tara Ford from TBWA Melbourne for executive creative director role

DDB Sydney has hired Tara Ford (right) out of TBWA Melbourne as executive creative director.

Ford joins DDB Sydney in this newly created role off the back of amazing growth for the agency, including consolidating McDonald’s and winning the Virgin Australia account.

Over the past four years Ford has won a total of 16 Cannes Lions, including a Grand Prix and 11 shortlists across five different campaigns.

Ben Welsh (pictured above left), DDB chief creative officer, said he’s thrilled to be working with Ford, who joins from TBWA Melbourne: “I’ve always wanted to hire Tara and I’m really looking forward to her adding firepower to our already very talented team.”

Ford has worked in some of the world’s best agencies and networks, creating industry- leading work for brands including Nike, ANZ, PlayStation, Medibank and Nissan.

Her award winning work includes the GAYTM campaign for ANZ Bank, which was named the ‘Best Direct campaign in the World for 2014’ by the Big Won and #1 ‘Best of Prin/Outdoor/Design for 2014’ by Creativity Online. Overall, she has won more than 200 awards over her career, both for creativity and effectiveness.

Says Welsh: “Tara is a fantastic fit for DDB’s culture. Our focus is on creating a talented and diverse culture, because we know that’s what leads to brilliant creative.”

Beyond the work, Ford is a mentor to young creative talent through Cannes ‘See it Be it’ and Young Lions program, Miami AdSchool and AWARD School. She was Australia’s representative at this year’s Cannes Lions on the Promo and Activation jury, and has judged and chaired various award shows including New York Festivals, AWARD Award (Aus), Adfest (Asia), AADC (Aus), Creative Circle (UK) and the Roses Awards (UK).

Says Ford: “It has been a wonderful five and a half years at TBWA but I’m ready for a new challenge.

“I feel incredibly excited and energised to be joining DDB Sydney. It’s a phenomenal agency with both amazing clients and talented people, I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Ford will work alongside Welsh across clients.