‘We’ve learned a lot’: Hardhat ECDs depart after four years
Hardhat’s executive creative duo Andy Segal and Chris ‘Hincey’ Hince will depart the agency after four years, Mumbrella can confirm.
The pair joined Hardhat in 2019 as associate creative directors, from WPP’s GTB Melbourne where they worked on brand campaigns for Ford Australia.
(L-R): Hardhat’s outgoing ECDs Segal and Hince
Finishing up on the 21st of December, Segal and Hince will begin the search for their next opportunity in the new year, looking to dig deeper into brand experience.
“It had been four years and we’ve learned a lot at Hardhat,” Segal told Mumbrella. “We can take our brand strength and then combine it with CX and then take it forward [for other agencies or clients].”
Starting out with freelance work as a “stop gap” next month, the pair will be hoping to get a look under the hood at a number of Australian agencies before landing their next permanent gig.
As to whether they are looking for an independent or holding company agency to call home, Hince said “it all comes down to the people and opportunities”.
“It’s a real pros and cons thing. You can get amazing opportunity with big clients and huge support at the networks, whereas when you go to the indies you’re right at the coalface – you actually get to have more influence being one of a smaller group that get things done,” he said.
In August last year the duo were both promoted to executive creative director, leading the creative offering alongside existing ECD and experience director, Reece Ryan.
Under their leadership, Hardhat has relaunched brand platforms – including Kogan.com earlier this year and streamlined user experiences for brands such as Lite N’ Easy.
Dan Monheit, CEO of Hardhat, told Mumbrella: “Andy and Hincey are two of the most talented, most lovable guys going around. We had an incredible, transformative four years together and the agency today is lightyears from the one they joined back in 2019.
“I’m thankful for the time we spent together and wish them every success going forward.”
Last month, the agency hired whiteGREY’s Magdalina Triantafyllidis as its new managing director, replacing long-time Hardhat employee and general manager Isabelle Bonin.
Bonin worked at Hardhat remotely from Canada for two years, before departing to head up communications at Plus Network, a Canadian advertising network.
Just last week, the agency also revealed its Cheat Codes for Challenger Brands – a national offering of strategy products, presentations and workshops.
They aim to provide brands that challenge category leaders with better strategies, tools and techniques to drive stronger results and accelerate growth within their categories.
