The Hallway has revealed new additions to the leadership team with the return of Dan Saunders as executive creative director and appointment of Phoebe Keogh as head of media and connections, and chief creative officer Simon Lee’s departure.
Saunders joins the agency having tenured as creative director at some of Australia’s biggest agencies including TBWA, DDB, and Dentsu, working on global brands, such as McDonald’s and Amazon, and international experience in the US and London.
He previously spent two years at The Hallway creating famous and awarded work for brands like Boody, Smooth FM and Anytime Fitness. Whilst also picking up a Cannes Lion for The Cardboard Cake in 2024.
Keogh recently joined The Hallway after eight years with UM Australia where she was strategic lead for Menulog, ING and Chery Motors. She will overssee the continued growth of The Hallway’s connections department.
“I’m incredibly excited to have Phoebe join our team and to welcome Dan back. Dan has been the architect of some of our most famous and impactful work in recent times. We’ve got a shared view on the type of work that drives brand growth, and the ways to deliver maximum value to our clients,” Jules Hall, founder and CEO of The Hallway, said.
“Phoebe is a critical part of our next chapter. She’s one of Australia’s best communication strategists, whip-smart and loved by her clients. Her ability to find the most impactful moment to connect with customers, combined with Dan’s creative leadership, is a rare and very exciting combination.”
Left and right: Simon Lee and Jules Hall
The agency also announced the departure of Simon Lee from The Hallway to pursue a new opportunity. Hall said: “When I founded the agency, way back in 2007, I had no partners, limited experience, but a hell of a lot of ambition. Simon joined me three years later. Together we’ve built a brand and business that we are both incredibly proud of.
“Fast forward fourteen years and the time has come for us to forge new paths. I’d like to extend a sincere thanks to Simon for his contribution and wish him the very best in his next adventure. We’ve had a wonderful time in business together and part ways as firm friends wishing the very best for each other.”
Lee said of his exit: “Building and running The Hallway with Jules for the past 14 years has been an extraordinary journey that has shaped me both professionally and personally. I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together – the work that we’ve created, the culture we’ve fostered and the impact that we’ve had on our clients’ brands and businesses.
“I’ve been blessed to work alongside some uniquely talented creative and strategic people on this journey and want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank you all (you know who you are) for our shared laughter, tears and unrelenting unreasonable commitment to bringing work that matters into the world.
“And as I embark on a new adventure, I wish Jules and The Hallway all the very best,” he added.
Top image: Jules Hall, Phoebe Keogh, Dan Saunders