CURRENTLY @ AFTERPAY (IN-HOUSE)

Ph: +61 478 817 267
Email | LinkedIn

👇

BLURB

✌️ Hello, I’m Ben, an independent hands-on creative leader and writer who partners with good agencies and brands worldwide.

That’s me with one of my two kids and despite the Rear Naked Choke Hold, they’re both adorable (most of the time).

I left the photo there so you can picture me as you browse this website.

I’m from Devon, England, but fled the fields and clouds for the sun and sand of Sydney.

Right, let’s get down to business because you’re here for that, not my life story.

I enjoy making ads that don’t feel like ads. I also like football and Monster Munch (who doesn’t).

Most advertising is an annoying interruption; I aim to make it entertaining, funny, or genuinely useful—things that haven’t been done before.

With over 15 years of experience as an ECD, CD, ACD, writer, Art Director and Designer I’m happiest when making different shaped ideas to solve client business problems in unexpected ways.

Things like an action film about burgers, a pepper cracker that turned off tech, a product demo disguised as an art experiment, a movement to end parent shaming, a wedding service to a Twitter stunt, which became an inflight documentary

I’ve worked across brand platforms, social, interactive, stunts, films, radio, and non-traditional formats for brands like Afterpay, Mars, Huggies, Virgin Airlines, Domino’s, MasterCard, Whiskas, KFC, Coca-Cola, and more.

My journey has taken me to some incredible agencies — R/GA New York, Crispin Porter + Bogusky Colorado, Clemenger BBDO, Ogilvy, and Droga5 Sydney. And along the way, my work has been covered by media globally and has won awards, none of which would have been possible without the amazing teams I’ve worked with.

If you like my stuff, which I hope you do, let’s make something together because my best work is still in front of me.



NICE WORDS FROM SOME SMART PEOPLE

“Working with Ben is a rad privilege. He’s not only an insanely talented creative leader but also a thoughtful, kind human who elevates everyone around him. His creative ability is next-level and his obsession with narrative, craft shows in everything he touches - conceptually sharp, precise, and always tied to business objectives.

With no ego, he brings an energy that inspires those around him to think bigger and go bolder, all while cultivating talent and building a space where creativity thrives.

During his time in-house at Afterpay, he navigated complex cross-functional briefs and relationships, seamlessly aligning with stakeholders across different departments to deliver impactful work that elevated the business, fostered collaboration, and raised the team’s creative output. Balancing multiple projects at once, he teamed up with the marketing and sales orgs, bringing a sharp understanding of business needs to make sure every project landed. That mix of vision, passion, and people skills makes him a standout leader in any creative space.”

- Luke Martin | Global Head of Creative | CashApp + Afterpay


“The delight about working with Ben is he’s genuinely passionate about using creativity to solve business problems. Not merely for creativity itself. Recognising the power of fresh, surprising yet relevantly applied ideas to change how people think, feel and behave. With a proven record of delivering that winning combination we all strive for – delightful creativity that rewards people, impactful effectiveness that rewards organisations.”

- Kit Lansdell - Business Strategy Director / DROGA5.


“I always looked forward to creative reviews with Ben.
He’d bring fresh, unexpected ideas to the table — ideas you just knew would make a big impact.”

- Gavin McLeod | National Chief Creative Officer | CHEP.


“Ben is a switched-on, strategically insightful creative thinker. Highly collaborative and loved, not just respected by clients. His ability to think outside the box, irrespective of the category, sets him apart.”

- Maddie Marsh | Client Partner | Facebook.


“Working with Ben has been a hugely rewarding experience. His ambition and hunger to make great work is infectious; his work ethic is inspiring; and his conceptual thinking is second to none. I've worked with creative leaders who don't want to roll their sleeves up and creative leaders who spend too much time in the weeds: Ben perfectly walks the line in between. He's also a charming and confident presenter, able to come up with ideas and sell them too.

Ben and I worked closely as a planning x creative partnership on all kinds of projects, from small but tough tactical briefs to big-picture platforms, from agency re-positioning to earned media ideas. He was the first person I called when wrestling with a problem (and I like to think the reverse was true!) – and we spent many hours together jamming around whiteboards, butcher's pads and notebooks.

But most importantly, Ben's a thoroughly good human being – good to have a pint with, good to have a yarn with, good to watch the football with. I'd work with him again like a shot.”

- Richard Parker | CSO | WE ARE SOCIAL.


“WELL DONE DARLING”

- LUCY SMITH | MUM.

EXPERIENCE

Freelance 2022 - NOW
Franky 2221 - 2222
Ogilvy 2018 - 2021
72&Sunny 2017 - 2018
Clemenger BBDO 2014 - 2017
Crispin Porter 2013 - 2014
R/GA 2011 - 2013
Droga5 2007 - 2011
Lowe 2006 - 2007



AWARDS ✏️🦁🥇

D&AD | 1 x yellow | 3 x silver | Multiple bronze

Cannes Lions | 1 x gold | 2 x silver | Multiple bronze

APAC Effies | 1 x gold | 4 x silver | Multiple bronze

AUS Effies | 3 x silver | x bronze

Global Effies | 1 x silver

Caples | 3 x gold | 4x silver | Multiple bronze

Spikes | 2 x gold | 5 x silver | Multiple bronze

AWARD | 1 x gold | 7 x silver | Multiple bronze

Webbys | 1 x gold | 2 x silver | Multiple bronze

One Show | 1 x silver | Multiple bronze