The Idea Shed has appointed John Fairley, former head of design at Dentsu Creative, as design director.
As head of design ANZ at Dentsu, Fairley worked with clients such as American Express, The Iconic, Kmart, and NIB.
John Volckman, partner and executive creative director at The Idea Shed, said: “John operates at the intersection of pure talent and humility — he knows his craft inside out without a hint of ego.
“John’s work has built many memorable brands, aligning perfectly with our belief that unforgettable brands are built on creativity that converts. We’re excited to see the influence he’ll have on our brilliant creative team, driving simplicity and impact to create even more memorable work.”
Fairley’s appointment at the creative commerce agency comes on the heels of a freelance stint. He was already working with The Idea Shed to pitch and clinch accounts including Australian Catholic University and the NSW Government.
“I’m really excited to be partnering with such a dynamic and forward-thinking agency,” Fairley said.
“The Idea Shed’s commitment to creativity and innovation is something I deeply resonate with. Having worked on several projects over the course of this year so far, I’m looking forward to collaborating with this talented team to create impactful and memorable work.”
Beyond his freelance work and time with Dentsu Creative, Fairley has held senior creative management roles in London agencies.
The Idea Shed said Fairley will leverage his expertise to elevate the agency’s creative output, fostering innovation and delivering impactful, memorable work for clients.
Fairley will also continue to work for himself, running his freelance business alongside his role at The Idea Shed.
In June, Mentos launched a campaign created by The Idea Shed – the first work the Sydney-based creative commerce agency has brought to life for Mentos.
Mentos needed a localised campaign to introduce the ‘Yes To Fresh’ platform to the Australian market.