Special Group makes first creative hires in Melbourne

Paige Murphy
By Paige Murphy | 25 November 2020
L to R: Luke Thompson and Toby Moore.

Independent creative agency Special Group Australia has added Toby Moore and Luke Thompson as creative directors for its newly-launched Melbourne office.

Throughout their careers both Moore and Thompson have worked with leading brands and agencies across the globe.

Moore has created work for brands including Nike, Coca-Cola, Corona and Samsung at agencies such as Publicis Mojo, Fallon London, Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam and London and most recently Clemenger BBDO Melbourne.

“To be joining Australasia’s leading independent creative company at a time when they’re opening their doors in Melbourne, while also putting Australian creativity on the international stage, is truly exciting," Moore says.

"We’re looking forward to building a world-class creative team here in Melbourne.” 

Thompson has delivered the creative product for brands Carlton Draught, NAB, Tourism Victoria, TAC and Volvo and held positions at Taxi and Cliff Freeman and Partners in New York and until recently, Clemenger BBDO Melbourne.

“It is not often that you get the opportunity to join an Australasian independent that’s opened two offices on opposite sides of the world, during a global pandemic," Thompson says.

"Not only does Special Group make great creative work, but its culture of open, kind and brave is incredibly appealing to me. I’m really looking forward to working with Tom and Jules again and can’t wait to build the Melbourne side of the business with Bec (Stambanis, founding partner – Melbourne), Paige (Prettyman, general manager – Melbourne) and the Special Group team."

Moore and Thompson are the first creative hires for the recently launched Melbourne office.

“When we opened our office in Melbourne, we knew our founding creative hires had to not just be incredibly high calibre creative talent, but intuitive creative leaders," Special Group Australia partner and chief creative officer Julian Schreiber says.

"Toby and Luke are not only excellent humans, but their enviable body of work and experience shows they more than meet the brief. We’re beyond excited to have them come on board." 

Since the launch of Special Group’s Melbourne office, the creative company has secured the account for iconic Australian brand Bonds, made a raft of new hires and been crowned Independent Agency of the Year at the AdNews Agency of the Year Awards.

“Establishing our Melbourne offering over the past few months has been so exciting," Special Group founding partner - Melbourne Bec Stambanis says.

"The growth and achievements of both the business and team has already been incredible to watch. Toby and Luke will no doubt add invaluable experience and craft to both Special Group and our clients."

Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au

Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.