Wunderman Thompson’s Simon Langley to become partner and ECD at indie creative agency Edge
Independent creative agency Edge has made its biggest hire yet in Simon Langley, Wunderman Thompson’s national chief creative officer.
Langley will join in September as a partner and executive creative director, replacing Matt Batten, who left the agency in December, after three years, to pursue other opportunities.
“We’re delighted that Simon joins us as a Partner in the business as well as ECD – we’re looking forward to working with him to produce world-class creative work for our clients, and also to continue to shape Edge as one of the leading independent agencies in Australia,” said group managing director David Stretch.
“Simon is joining Edge at a time that is undoubtedly challenging for the wider industry, but finds us full of energy and optimism for the future. Simon’s reputation for strong creative leadership, his passion for delivering great work, and his open and collaborative nature are all skills we need to help drive growth for our clients through this period.”
Before joining what was then J Walter Thompson, Langley served in creative leadership roles at 303 Mullen Lowe, and spent more than six years at BMF. His work is award-winning, receiving D&AD yellow pencils, multiple Cannes lions, One Show gold and silver pencils, and a Grand Prix at Spikes Asia.
“I’ve loved my time at WT, so it took a special opportunity to lure me away,” said Langley, who will work across the agency’s Sydney and Melbourne offices and work with clients such as Bupa Dental, Mitre 10, Virgin Money, Freedom, Jaycar and Costco.
“I’ve been impressed by Edge and their evolution. They have real momentum and I connected strongly with the senior leadership team – sharing their philosophy, vision, and values. I’m excited to be joining an independent as a partner and can’t wait to get stuck in and help take the business to the next level.”
Wunderman Thompson said further announcements will be made in due course regarding Langley’s replacement, and thanked him for his work.
“Simon has been a fabulous creative leader, mentor and partner for all of us at WT over the past six years,” managing partner Michael Godwin said.
“He’s fostered a burning ambition across our Australian offices to develop more impactful, effective and highly integrated ideas for our clients’ businesses and their brands. Beyond the quality of our creative output, Simon’s legacy is to leave one of the most talented national creative departments in the country and a team of senior creative leaders who he’s taught well, through his passion for developing talent at all levels.
“Our ongoing commitment remains to provide our creative department, the wider agency and our clients with strong creative stewardship. I want to thank Simon for his commitment and dedication to the national team and wish him every success for the future.”
Langley added: “I’m extremely proud of the agency and the work we’ve created nationally over the years, from Global KIT KAT and Kellogg’s campaigns, to the ongoing powerful ‘I Touch Myself Project’ and everything in between for some of Australia’s most iconic brands.
“But importantly, I’m just as proud of the culture we created. It’s been a real honour to work with amazing people and clients. I’m sad to be leaving them, but wish them well in their next exciting chapter under the leadership of Lee Leggett [who was named CEO earlier this month].”
Last year, Edge nabbed McCann’s GM Nicole Gardner, who joined as executive director of account management, and named Cummins and Partners’ Rod Mooseek as Melbourne general manager.
“For some time now we’ve been focussed on accelerating our clients’ growth by helping them find and maintain relevance with consumers. We call it Relentless Relevance,” executive planning director Richard Parker said.
“In Simon, we’ve hired a world-class creative leader with a reputation for tapping into cultural insights to deliver genuinely relevant creative work. He’s a natural fit with our culture and will be integral to our next stage of growth. And he’s a lovely human being.”
Brittney Rigby was Mumbrella's deputy managing editor - news and analysis. She left Mumbrella in April 2021.
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All the best Langers! A true gentleman. Talented, collaborative and get’s the respect and trust of clients. All while keeping a high bar for the work.
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Such a genuine human, and one of the best creative leaders in the business. Consistently produces cut through and effective work, and builds great teams and culture. Best of luck Langers and fantastic hire Edge.
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