HERO cops fresh headwinds with the departure of Ben Coulson

July 25, 2023 9:32

Indie network HERO has been dealt another talent blow with the departure of chief creative officer Ben Coulson after three years – the third big name to leave in the past 12 months.

Coulson announced the news via a LinkedIn post on Monday night, thanking HERO’s founder Ben Lilley and the wider team for “one of the best experiences” he’s had.

Ben Coulson has left the agency

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Lauren McNamara

Lauren McNamara is a freelance journalist. She previously spent three years at Mumbrella, most recently as the associate editor. She left her staff role in August 2025.

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5 COMMENTS

Ben Lilley 25 Jul 23

Oh hey Ben C! Yes well said. Perhaps those ‘headwinds’ are a surfing reference? ?

4 Likes

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Bensational 25 Jul 23

Yeah, really safe hands

3 Likes

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Ben Coulson 25 Jul 23

Hey Lauren, didn’t expect this to be news today. No shocks or headwinds; we planned it far in advance. The agency is well set up, clients and staff were all properly informed, with time to adjust. Ben Lilley is at the helm, and HERO is in great shape.

26 Likes

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Alfresco 26 Jul 23

I think the headline is fair, as that is a lot of very senior people leaving in a short amount of time. We can’t have the trade press if all we want them to do is write puff-pieces for us. What’s the real story then?

2 Likes

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Ben Netanyahu 25 Jul 23

Hey guys!! No PR for a CCO who’s no stranger to PR doing such a great job he’s leaving without announcement!!!!!! Got a comms problem myself right now, perhaps you can help!!??

1 Like

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