Clemenger BBDO has appointed Adrián Flores as chief creative officer. Flores will return to Australia for the role after over a decade in international creative leadership roles.
He replaces Jim Curtis, who left in September to become EVP, global executive CD at McCann New York.
Since CEO Dani Bassil returned to Australia after almost 20 years in the UK to lead the agency in 2023, and unite its Melbourne and Sydney agencies, she has made a string of senior appointments.
Anita Zanesco was named Clems’ first chief growth officer in July 2023, while Anita Deutsch-Burley and Georgie Winton became managing partners. Simon Wassef was appointed chief strategy and experience officer in September.
Bassil said that with the CCO appointment, “we now have a leadership trio of Aussies – Simon, Adrián, and myself – with deep experience across brand, digital and social, as well as global perspectives on the work and industry. We’re doing things differently, better, with more diversity, and challenging the status quo. That’s what these signings are about. We’re not just signalling an intention. We’re delivering on it.”
“When I left Sydney for the UK 20 years ago, I never dreamt an agency leadership team could be made up of three immigrant kids. Now, here we are.”
Flores, who was born in Mexico City and raised in Toowoomba, Queensland, most recently spent three years as vice president of creative at New York-based Robot, the brand consultancy arm of The SpringHill Company, a consumer and entertainment group co-founded by NBA star LeBron James and his business partner Mav Carter.
Previously, Flores spent time at Publicis New York and London, FCB New York, Marcel New York, and VaynerMedia.
“Clems is iconic both at home and abroad for a reason,” Flores said. “I’m extremely excited to be part of its next chapter alongside a truly world-class team that’s famous for making famous work.”
He will begin in the role on 20 May.
“I have no doubt Adrián’s energy, talent, and modern way of building brands will have a huge impact on our work, clients, culture and agency. I’m ecstatic he’s coming home to join the Clems family,” Bassil added.
See also: Clemenger Group launches industry-first Agri Graduate Program
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Top Image: Adrián Flores