Zoë Hawkins and Russel Fox join Special as Group Creative Directors

Special has appointed Zoë Hawkins and Russel Fox as Group Creative Directors, working across the agency’s client portfolio and mentoring creative teams.

Hawkins has more than 15 years’ experience with brands including Nike, Mini UK, Levi’s, Heineken and Booking.com, working at agencies such as Wieden+Kennedy, BBC Creative and AKQA in London, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Shanghai and the US.

She has also worked with Parfums Christian Dior, launched a sports apparel brand, and won three Bronze Lions for her work with Nike.

Fox joins after seven years as Creative Director at M+C Saatchi Australia. He began his career at Clemenger BBDO in 2005, later working with BBDO New York on brands including Guinness, Starbucks and Pepsi before returning to Australia in 2012.

His 20-year career includes roles at Clemenger BBDO and M+C Saatchi, producing work for Yellow Pages, Carlton Mid, and other national campaigns.

“Zoë and Russel are both from amazing creative pedigree and have proven their talents locally and internationally,” Executive Creative Director at Special Melbourne, Ryan Fitzgerald said.

“Above all though, they’re great people who go the right way about creating outstanding work. We’re super excited to have them here to deepen our talent pool, create extraordinary ideas and stir up my imposter syndrome.”

Hawkins said of her new role: “Special feels exciting, like we’re on the edge of something, with so much more to come. Everyone here is full of passion, strives for creative excellence, and believes ideas come first and egos come last. That’s my kind of place."

Fox added: “Joining Special feels like stepping onto a fast-moving train. Except everyone on board is surprisingly calm, weirdly good at their job, and still trying to go faster. I’m here for it.”

Top image: Russel Fox and Zoë Hawkins

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