AUCKLAND, Today: Droga5 ANZ has levelled up its creative ranks, promoting Christie Cooper and James Conner to Executive Creative Directors. The pair will report directly to Co-Chief Creative Officers Barbara Humphries and Damon Stapleton, effective immediately.
Cooper and Conner were behind the Grand Clio-winning Benee Bagels campaign for ASB and have built a reputation for creative work that not only wins awards, but also influences culture, research, and even policy.
They’ve spent nearly 20 years working together across agencies like DDB, Colenso, The Monkeys, and now Droga5 ANZ — shaping work for brands including Meridian, Volkswagen, Westpac, SKY TV, McDonald’s, Pink Batts, and Cadbury.
Along the way, they’ve created standout campaigns like Steinlager’s Deep Dive, BMW’s Reverse April Fools, Paw Justice: Animal Strike, and Don’t Trademe — all known for mixing craft with impact.
“We’re honoured to be stepping up as Executive Creative Directors, and excited to support Damon, Barb and CEO Matt Michael in building Droga5’s trans-Tasman creative department, helping shape bold, impactful work across both New Zealand and Australia,” says Conner.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to work as the creative leads on an impressive portfolio of clients across the ANZ region and we feel really lucky to be a part of such a strong creative team.” – Christie Cooper
Cooper adds, “We’re excited about the opportunity to work as the creative leads on an impressive portfolio of clients across the ANZ region and we feel really lucky to be a part of such a strong creative team.”
The creative leadership boost doesn’t stop there. Droga5 has also promoted Lennie Galloway, Thomas Gledhill, Max Rapley and Danny Pattison from Associate Creative Directors to Creative Directors.
“These promotions recognise the incredible talent we have in the business and the lasting impact each of them has made,” says Humphries.
“Having worked closely with them, I know they’ll bring even more creative firepower to our clients across Australia and New Zealand. A huge congrats to Christie and James and our refreshed line up of creative directors,” adds Stapleton.
“Giving all our teams more opportunities across the Tasman, our approach to borderless creativity is set in motion offering up solutions to our clients who seek out this approach to tackle outsized ideas with outsized ambition.”
The newly promoted team joins ECDs Hugh Gurney and Joe Sibley, who stepped into their roles in late 2024, as the agency continues pushing bold, strategic creative for brands across the ANZ region.
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