Ogilvy Melbourne promotes Ant Simmons to executive creative director

Ogilvy Melbourne has promoted Ant Simmons to executive creative director, elevating him to lead its creative team following a standout tenure as group creative director.

Simmons, a seasoned creative with more than 20 years of experience, first joined Ogilvy in October 2023 and has played a key role in delivering award-winning work for brands including AAMI, GIO and Mondelez. He steps into the top creative role as outgoing ECD Hilary Badger departs for a new opportunity after more than two years with the agency.

Ogilvy Melbourne managing director Gavin MacMillan said Simmons’ leadership and creative impact had made him a natural choice for the role.

“Since joining Ogilvy, Ant’s strong creative nous combined with a laser focus on craft has seen him take an ever-growing role across the agency’s creative output,” MacMillan said. 

“He’s been a champion of developing world-class work, particularly within the FMCG sector, and brings great perspective on how creativity can drive consumer behaviour. His ability to mentor and lead is a great fit for Ogilvy, and we’re excited that he has chosen to take this next step with our team.”

MacMillan also acknowledged Badger’s contribution to the agency, particularly in fostering talent.

“We are incredibly grateful to Hilary for her role in fostering creative talent and leadership, and we’ve loved having her as part of our award-winning team. Her ability to build great talent around her has enabled us to have full confidence in Ant’s ability to shift into this broader leadership role.”

Simmons said he was excited to step into the role at a time when Ogilvy is delivering high-impact work for some of Australia’s most trusted brands.

“It’s been a highly productive period at Ogilvy, a strong reflection of the talent in the agency and the ambition to create effective work across all client teams,” Simmons said. “With arguably some of Australia’s most trusted brands as clients, we are in a privileged position to apply creativity to solve their commercial ambitions.”

Prior to joining Ogilvy, Simmons held creative roles at agencies including Clemenger BBDO Melbourne, GPY&R Melbourne, DDB Sydney and branding agency Elmwood, where he was APAC creative director. 

Simmons also co-founded Do Water, Australia’s first renewable paperboard bottled water.

Ogilvy Network ANZ chief creative officer Toby Talbot said Simmons’ appointment signals a new era for the agency.

“Ogilvy has long been recognised as an agency with creativity and effectiveness in its DNA. With Ant’s global view and local knowledge, teamed with Max McKeon, our new Sydney ECD, this is the time for borderless creativity to really come into its own for Ogilvy Australia.”