Hero unveils adland’s latest creative duo

October 9, 2025 11:17

Susan Young and Bec McCall will collaborate on creative work.

Independent agency Hero has appointed an international creative expert to partner with its group creative director, Bec McCall.

The agency announced Susan Young as the latest talent to join its team. Young’s career in the industry spans four territories — Australia, New Zealand, the UK and South Africa — with clients in the not-for-profit, automotive and finance sectors.

After working in senior creative roles in London’s advertising scene — including senior writer at Draft FCB, and creative group head at marketing agency Rapp UK, and creative micro-network Iris Worldwide — Young took on the role of head of copy at DDB New Zealand in September 2008.

In October 2012, Young co-founded Auckland-based indie agency Chemistry. She spent more than 12 years at the company, serving as a founding partner and executive creative director (ECD) in charge of the agency’s creative team.

“The briefs that excite me most are the ones that change behaviour and reinvigorate brands,” Young said in a media release. “HERO has that mix in spades and a team that’s hungry to deliver.”

While at Hero, Young will work as a national creative director and will partner with McCall on creative projects.

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Hero Agency. (Credit: Hero)

She spoke highly of her new partner in the same release, saying, “I already have a brilliant working relationship with Bec. She’s fun, energetic and shares my exact creative ambition.

“Most of all, Bec always delivers. She’s the type of creative partner who will never let you down.”

Young is joining the business in the wake of Hero’s most recent client wins, including Parcel Protect, Commonwealth Super and the NSW Rural Fire Service. Last month, the agency released fresh work with Toyota Australia to raise awareness of the automotive organisation’s new GR Yaris.

Talent-wise, Hero’s Sydney team welcomed a new head of client services Paul Binikos in early February this year.

Shane Geffen, national ECD at Hero, spoke enthusiatically about the future work Young and McCall will produce. In the release, he said, “I’m so looking forward to seeing what Bec and Susan can bring to HERO together, as two outstanding, globally awarded creative leaders.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Sue to our national team.”