MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – Independent creative agency Special has announced the appointment of two seasoned industry leaders, Zoë Hawkins and Russel Fox, as Group Creative Directors in its Melbourne office. The strategic move aims to further elevate the agency’s creative output while fostering the next generation of talent within its ranks.
The duo brings an impressive blend of global experience and local expertise to Special’s creative leadership team. In their new roles, Hawkins and Fox will be working across the agency’s entire client roster, playing pivotal roles in both mentorship and driving creative excellence.
With over 15 years of experience, Zoë Hawkins has cultivated a career defined by creative versatility and global reach. Her portfolio includes work for global giants such as Nike, Mini UK, Levi’s, Heineken and booking.com, developed during stints at top-tier agencies including Wieden+Kennedy, BBC Creative, and AKQA.
Beginning her career at DDB Sydney and Colenso BBDO in Auckland, Hawkins later expanded her horizons to London, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Shanghai and the United States. Her time at Wieden+Kennedy Portland led to award-winning campaigns for Nike, earning her three Bronze Lions at Cannes. Beyond agency life, she has consulted for Parfums Christian Dior, launched a sports apparel brand, contributed to immersive theatre productions, and even developed an RPG game.
Complementing Hawkins is Russel Fox, a creative powerhouse whose 20 year career spans work that has launched platforms, shifted public perceptions and occasionally challenged legal departments. Fox joins Special after seven years as Creative Director at M&C Saatchi Australia, preceded by a six-year tenure as Senior Art Director at Clemenger BBDO, where he began his career in 2005.
His distinctive campaigns for Yellow Pages and Carlton Mid caught the attention of BBDO New York, leading him to a two year stint in the U.S. where he created work for brands like Guinness, Starbucks and Pepsi. Since returning to Australia in 2012, Fox has remained a formidable presence in the local industry.
Executive Creative Director at Special Melbourne, Ryan Fitzgerald said, “Zoë and Russel are both from amazing creative pedigree and have proven their talents locally and internationally. Above all though, they’re great people who go the right way about creating outstanding work. We’re super excited to have them here to deepen our talent pool, create extraordinary ideas and stir up my imposter syndrome.”
