BMF announces co-managing director appointments
BMF Australia has strengthened its leadership team, appointing Aisling Colley and Richard Woods as co-managing directors.
Colley returns to the agency after a stint at Ogilvy, where she was managing partner, overseeing the KFC business and wider operational responsibilities.
She previously spent nearly 12 years with BMF, most recently as general manager in 2023. During her time with the agency, she played a key role in building its reputation for effectiveness, having led the Aldi account.
“Coming back to BMF feels like returning to the place that shaped so much of who I am as a leader,” she said in a release on Wednesday.
BMF’s new leadership team. (L-R): Aisling Colley, Stephen McArdle, Richard Woods
“It’s a business with an incredibly strong foundation – creatively, culturally and commercially – and I’m incredibly excited to help lead its next phase. There’s a clear ambition here, a deep respect for long-term thinking, and a genuine commitment to people and partnerships. Leading alongside Rich, someone I know and trust, and reuniting as partners, makes it even more meaningful.”
Meanwhile, Woods has been with BMF for over six years, having worked alongside Colley as general manager. He has been central to the agency’s recent growth, helping to lead key accounts like the Australian Federal Government and Tourism Tasmania.
Prior to joining BMF in 2019, he held roles at Naked Communications, Momentum Worldwide, BD Network, and M+C Saatchi.
Woods said the agency has been a “huge part” of his professional life.
“…I feel incredibly proud of what we’ve built, a place that backs its people, values long-term partnerships, and believes in the power of big, enduring ideas,” he said in the release.
“We’ve got an ambitious team, a strong leadership group, and plenty of momentum. It’s exciting to help lead the agency into its next chapter alongside someone as talented and respected as Aisling.”
The pair will lead the agency together, as it looks to evolve its offering across creativity, strategy, innovation, and production. It was recently named the Creative Agency of the Year at the Mumbrella Awards.
BMF’s CEO, Stephen McArdle, described them as “incredible operator[s]” who are “deeply trusted and valued”.
“Together, they bring complementary skills, a proven partnership, and a shared ambition for what comes next. As we enter a new chapter of growth, there’s no better duo to help lead the agency and steer BMF into the future,” he said.
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Lauren McNamara was the associate editor at Mumbrella. She joined in November 2022 as editorial assistant, after completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at UTS. She left Mumbrella in August 2025.
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