Howatson+Company has appointed a new creative leadership structure, with Gavin Chimes now chief creative officer of the independent agency. Richard Shaw has also been promoted to deputy chief creative officer.
Chimes was part of the founding team at Howatson+Company, joining at its inception in 2021. Since then, he has been named Australian Creative of the Year and has won awards for his work on Matilda Bay Rejected Ales, Maurice Blackburn Exhibit A-i, 10PM Bedverts, Modibodi I’m Dying Inside, Belong Book of Limbo, Mastercard’s TOUCH and more.
Prior to Howatson+Company, Chimes worked at CHE Proximity, Clemenger BBDO, Marcel and Droga5, developing multiple D&AD and Cannes winning campaigns such as Tiger Beer Air-Ink, The Lion’s Share, NRMA First Saturday, Sloways and Samsung Microcodes.
Shaw joined Howatson+Company in 2022 as executive creative director. He joined Chris Howatson from CHEP, where he led Samsung, Australia’s largest integrated account in one agency.
With almost 20 years’ experience, Richard has worked across a portfolio of integrated clients at Australian agencies, including Clemenger BBDO Melbourne, TBWA and DDB.
“Gav’s promotion is in recognition of his leadership and creative excellence, but most especially his tenacity in always seeking the best outcome for our clients. No brief is too small. No objective too challenging. Gav is a true believer of effectiveness as the strategy, creativity as the solution. I’m very proud to have him lead the creative product of our fabulous agency as CCO," Howatson+Co founder and CEO Chris Howatson said.
“Similarly, Rich’s promotion is in recognition of his uncompromising commitment to our clients with creativity always as the answer. He is a calm, guiding hand, regardless how complex the conditions. And an exceptional people leader. I couldn’t be more proud of Gav and Rich and confident in our future.”
Chimes and Shaw said it's been a privilege helping build something extraordinary over the last few years.
"Yet it’s only the start. We look forward to continuing H+CO’s trajectory, working with wonderful people and clients to make the best work in the world," they said.
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