Chris Ellis joins Fenton Stephens as executive creative director

Fenton Stephens has appointed Chris Ellis as executive creative director.

Ellis joins the Melbourne-based independent agency from Special, where he was creative director.

He has created original, memorable and influential work for brands including Jeep, Specsavers, Virgin, Bonds, Mountain Goat, Woodstock and Movember, has been featured across trade media and recognised by D&AD, Cannes, One Show, Clios and Spikes.

Ellis was also state head of AWARD School for two years and has served on international award juries, including NewYorkFestivals and ADSTARS.

"It was clear to me and the partners from the outset that Chris would be a great fit, and we have already gained traction with several significant projects," founding creative partner Alex Fenton said. "Chris embodies our philosophy of intelligence and imagination. Along with his energy and enthusiasm, it makes for an exciting new chapter for Fenton Stephens."

Ellis said: "During my career, I’ve been privileged to work with some of the greatest creative agency leaders Australia has ever produced: Scott Whybin, Ant Keogh, Tara Ford, Julian Schreiber, Tom Martin, Sean Cummins, Jim Ingram, Ben Couzens, Sarah McGregor and Ryan Fitzgerald. I’ve been somewhat of a bowerbird, a creative kleptomaniac stealing from the best. Alex is the next one I want to borrow from."

"With strong foundation clients, Alex and the partners have built a venerable business that has been thriving for nearly 20 years. The new multidisciplinary offering spearheaded by world-class performance marketing makes for a powerful proposition. I’m thrilled to formally announce my new home as we prepare to launch some very exciting work this side of Christmas, followed by a full agency rebrand in the new year."

CEO Simon Antonis added: "With our performance and research capabilities we’ve built a business that is now part creative agency, part performance agency and part business consultancy, bridging creative with tangible outcomes. Chris’ track record tells us he’s done that time and time again across a vast array of categories with highly effective and awarded work.

"We’re thrilled to have his wealth of big brand experience and hustle in the building to help deliver clients greater results. Complemented by his dedication to mentoring the next generation — and his nice guy attitude — Chris is well equipped to help take the agency from strength to strength over our next 20 years."

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Top image: Alex Fenton and Chris Ellis

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