Lionel Hunt

From the very outset in 1972, Lionel Hunt was the driving force behind The Campaign Palace. He was demanding, uncompromising and determined that the agency produce the best possible creative work. Not just in Australia but internationally. As more and more awards tumbled through the door, so its reputation climbed.

By the early '80s it was widely acclaimed as the best creative agency in Australia. The reputation spread rapidly to the UK. When the agency turned 30 in 2002, tributes flowed in. David Droga, from Saatchi & Saatchi, London, said: “In all my travels, The Palace is the only Australian agency people ever ask me about. Says it all, really.” And Steve Henry of HHCL & Partners, London: “You've got a fantastic agency and you've produced work which tickled the envy bone of creative people all over the world.” Lionel Hunt's career path should give hope to every suit's dreams of being a creative.

He worked in a number of small agencies in London, Hobart and Perth, mostly as an account executive, but eventually managed to make the switch, joining Masius Melbourne as creative group head in 1970.

Masius was a hothouse then, at one stage boasting a creative department that included Noel Delbridge, Peter Carey, Gordon Trembath, Terry Durack and Tony Stewart.

Hunt joined Trembath when he left to start a consultancy, and like Masius it soon attracted a brilliant array of creative heavyweights. Durack, Carey and Stewart worked at the Palace later, as did Ron Mather, Jack Vaughan, Ted Horton, Scott Whybin, Danny Searle, Warren Brown and a host of other famous names.

Hunt's legacy lives on at The Campaign Palace, and although it has different owners the brand is resilient. After he left The Palace, Hunt teamed up with UK legend Frank Lowe to form Lowe Hunt & Partners in Sydney.