CHE Proximity appoints Justin Ruben as ECD
CHE Proxmity has appointed Justin Ruben as executive creative director, following his return from a six year stint in New York City.
Ruben fills the role after Cam Hoelter departed CHEP just six months after joining the agency. This will be CHEP’s third ECD in the space of a year, following Wesley Hawes’ departure in September.
Justin Ruben, new CHEP ECD
In joining CCO Gavin McLeod and deputy CCO Glen Dickson in the senior creative leadership team at CHEP, Ruben will also lead the Sydney office.
CHEP CEO, Justin Hind said: “We’re extremely fortunate to have someone of Justin’s calibre and experience join to help lead CHEP creatively in Sydney. With Gavin McLeod starting as National CCO on July 1 and Glen Dickson as Deputy COO already leading the creative charge in Melbourne, CHEP now has a full complement of creative talent in place to realise the next era of CHEP.”
Ruben returned from New York this year, where he was most recently group creative director at The&Partnership. He was also previously group creative director at Droga5, also in New York.
During his time at The&Partnership, Ruben was responsible for the agency’s data and creativity offering, while at Droga5 he led a number of campaigns, including those for Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Diet Coke, and ‘The Ripple Donut’ for Chase bank.
Before moving to New York, Ruben also established himself in the Australian market, with roles at BMF as creative director, and working as a freelance copywriter at Publicis Mojo.
On his appointment, Ruben said: “I’ve been incredibly envious of the work CHEP has been producing and their ability to use creativity to solve real world business problems, so naturally, I can’t wait to get started.”
Glen Dickson said: “We’re very happy to be welcoming someone with Justin’s enormous talent and experience back to Australia, and to CHEP. Justin is a true world-class creative leader – his work speaks for itself. He shares our passion for creating the kind of different-shaped ideas brands need to thrive in the new economy. He’s going to make us better, in all of the best ways.”
Ruben’s appointment is the latest in a year of transition for CHEP, which kicked off with CEO Chris Howatson and national CCO Ant White announcing that they would be leaving the business to set up their own agency, Howatson + White in November.
Hind was subsequently appointed CEO in December, following the duo’s departure.
Last week CHEP announced several hires to the agency’s technology offering based in the Sydney office, including Charlotte Bruton’s expanded remit, being appointed head of innovation strategy.
CHEP was also recently appointed as lead media agency for MyState Bank, with responsibilities including media strategy, planning and buying, as well as tech and data support.
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Calum Jaspan was news editor at Mumbrella, based in Melbourne. He was also the producer and host of the Mumbrellacast. He left Mumbrella in May 2023.
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topics
Ant White
Cam Hoelter
CHE Proximity
CHEP
Chris Howatson
Gavin McLeod
Glen Dickson
Justin Hind
Justin Ruben
