Hamish Cargill.
Branding agency Principals has appointed Hamish Cargill CEO, taking over from Tom Brigstocke who has been in the role for 27 years, AdNews can reveal.
Founded in 1995, Principals has worked with major brands including NAB, Mallesons, Monash University and the Australian Red Cross.
Cargill said the change marked a generational moment for the business.
"With Tom in the captain's chair for 27 years, we've experienced incredible success building an amazing team, client list and body of work,” he said.
“Tom's always been very humble about his influence, but it's his stability that's allowed us all to do what we do.
“On a personal level, I can't thank him enough for his guidance over many years.”
Cargill joined the business in 2011 and worked his way up the ranks to lead the group's brand language studio, XXVI.
"I'm excited to be jumping from leadership of XXVI to a broader role across Principals. We have such a brilliant team of clever, creative, unmistakable characters,” Cargill said.
“I love working with them all. In an agency that's 31 years old, there's a legacy to continue. At the same time, we recognise this as an important moment to get in and make the sort of positive change that sets us and our clients up for the next 30 years.”
The succession has been planned to ensure a sustainable independent model, with Cargill and Tim Riches becoming the major shareholders of the agency.
Riches, based in Melbourne and with the business for 10 years, will take on the role of chief strategy officer.
Brigstocke will support the transition as chairman before retiring in December.
"My job for the next five months is to support Hamish in his new role,” said Brigstocke.
“I'll retire happy in the knowledge that the agency will continue to thrive under his stewardship.
“Hamish is a natural leader with exceptional commercial and creative instincts. And he's surrounded by a wonderful team of genuinely remarkable talent.
“Together they will evolve the agency successfully to respond to future challenges and opportunities.”
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