Bullfrog adds two ECDs
Indie creative shop Bullfrog has appointed Elle Bullen as executive creative director, alongside Dan Sparkes.
Sparkes was elevated to the role of executive creative director this month, having been with the agency as creative director since April 2020.
Elle Bullen and Dan Sparkes
Bullen’s appointment marks her return to the industry, having taken a career break after spending the last several years focusing on her health in the face of two cancer diagnoses. In 2016, Bullen was a founder partner of Melbourne creative agency, Sick Dog Wolf Man.
“Getting sick was never part of my career plan, but if there’s one silver (or at least grey) lining to come from the cancer shit show, it’s a ruthless reshuffling of priorities. I’m thrilled to have found the things I now value most reflected in Bullfrog’s values, and in their flexibility and care throughout my rather unconventional return to work. Wonderful people doing world class work, in a place that isn’t afraid to challenge how things are done. Not so long ago a female ECD with two kids under five and an oncologist on speed dial would have been a myth. I feel incredibly well supported in busting it,” said Bullen.
“To say we’re excited to have Elle at Bullfrog is an understatement,” said Bullfrog’s CEO Dalton Henshaw.
“With significant experience and a multitude of international awards under her belt, there’s no doubt that Elle is world-class. Alongside Elle we’ve been anxiously awaiting the thumbs up from her medical team; and in the short time since getting that green light she’s had a huge impact on our entire business. Her ability to bring people together and create an environment that is conducive to creative thinking across the board at Bullfrog is incredible to watch.”
Prior to SDWM, Bullen held copywriting roles at Leo Burnett Melbourne and Clemenger BBDO Melbourne. Sparkes has also held roles at CHEP, TBWA\Melbourne, BWM Dentsu, DDB Melbourne, Leo Burnett and Ogilvy Melbourne.
Bullen and Sparke’s appointments are the first on a series of senior managements appointments to be announced by the business in the coming months.
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