Simon Lee poaches The Hallway creative director
Former CCO and partner of The Hallway Simon Lee has made his first hire since taking the creative helm at independent agency Enigma, nabbing a creative director from his alma mater.
He has announced the appointment of Aldo Ferretto as Enigma’s new creative director and head of art.
Ferretto joins the agency from The Hallway, where he spent six years with Lee spearheading creative. Together, the pair created the acclaimed ‘Boys Do Cry’ campaign and the world’s first ‘Cardboard Cake’. Along with fellow CD Jess Thompson, the duo also created and launched the Binge brand and Suncorp Bank’s ‘Banking You Can Feel Good About’ platform.
Ferretto was also the creative lead on the GWM account, with the hopes of making it the fastest growing automotive brand in Australia. The Hallway worked with the brand for two years before the creative account went to pitch last year. The agency did not retain it (it went to Thinkerbell).
(L-R): Simon Lee, Aldo Ferretto
Prior to The Hallway, he held creative roles at leading agencies including DDB Spain, Lola Mullenlowe, Publicis Australia, Leo Burnett Buenos Aires, and Lowe and Partners Chile. His work has been recognised at global awards including D&AD, Cannes Lions, Clios, and Spikes.
Ferretto said it’s “incredibly exciting” to be joining Enigma.
“The agency has an outstanding 33-year track record of delivering strong commercial results, backed by a truly integrated creative and media model. There’s a bold creative ambition here to produce world-class work for ambitious brands — and that really resonates with me,” he said in a media release.
“I’m especially looking forward to pushing the boundaries of art and design, and to building, alongside Lisa, Justin and Simon, a team that cares deeply and delivers exceptional, meaningful work.”
His appointment marks Lee’s first major move since joining Enigma earlier this year.
Lee departed The Hallway in February among some senior leadership changes, after 15 years with the agency. A week later, his appointment at Enigma was announced. He is the agency’s first-ever CCO, and first leader to join as a partner.
“When I joined Enigma, I committed to building a world class creative team, and Aldo’s appointment is a big step towards achieving that goal,” Lee said of Ferretto’s appointment.
“In the 6 years that Aldo and I have already worked together, I’ve experienced first-hand the value that his exceptional eye for craft and unique conceptual vision brings to brands. I’m excited by what I know he will bring to Enigma’s stable of clients.”
In February, Enigma also announced the promotions of Justin Ladmore and Amy Dascanio to chief media officer and managing director, Enigma media, respectively. The agency welcomed Joanne Lilley as Sydney’s managing director that month as well.
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Lauren McNamara is the associate editor at Mumbrella, covering the creative and PR beat. She joined in November 2022 as editorial assistant, after completing a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at UTS.
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