Ben O'Brien.

Creative Director. Writer.
Idea Defender. Client Charmer.
Pitch Winner.

Find out more

About


I love coming up with unexpected ideas. I've created some for amazing brands including McDonald’s, Heineken, Kellogg’s, Red Bull, XBox and Volkswagen.

A few of my ideas have managed to win awards at Cannes, Clio, The One Show, The New York Festivals, AWARD and The Melbourne Art Directors Club.

In the last few years, my focus has been in the social space. I started my own agency with Red Bull as the founding client, so my first experience of a truly social platform was fuelled by both the brand and the liquid. We developed a social-first approach before that concept really existed, creating events that were among the first to blow up in social feeds.

I generally work as a copywriter-based Creative Director, and I've always enjoyed leading, teaching and nurturing upcoming talent.

That's why I've been involved with AWARD School for over 10 years as a tutor, running the school for two years as Head Lecturer. And I've spoken to various university and school groups about the impact unexpected creativity has on business success.


Some Work

Kudos



"Though he might baulk at this, Ben worked really well with the client, having the business maturity to understand the client perspective. But this did not undermine a clear creative vision and perspective which he always brought and fought for. For me, this is a powerful combination that can push to hard working strategic copy or breakthrough creative work if the client is brave enough."


Fraser Taylor - Marketing Director Kellogg's Australia & New Zealand.


"Ben joined the team at a time when the agency was struggling and under pressure. He brought a great blend of creative horsepower and a very user-friendly style of working with clients to create a body of work which, just 18 months later, is being hailed globally around the global client organisation."


Matt Scholes - EVP Global Business Director Leo Burnett, Chicago.


"Ben is the person I would turn to for his creative ability, intelligence and problem-solving abilities. He presents with confidence and thinks well on his feet. He is articulate and professional in all his business dealings and a pleasure to work with. I would recommend him as a creative partner of the highest calibre."


Penny Dixon - Managing Director J. Walter Thompson, Sydney.

CV




Deputy Executive Creative Director - M&C Saatchi Group, Sydney.
October 2021 - Present

At M&C Saatchi I’m leading creative for Woolworths, Australia's most trusted brand and the largest account in the M&C Saatchi network. Within my first 4 months, we have successfully pitched for all of Woolworths' paid social creative, which is giving us exciting opportunities to build the customer experience across an array of social media channels.





Creative Director - Banjo Advertising, Sydney.
September 2016 - October 2021

Clients: Microsoft, Xbox, QT Hotels, Domain, Ben & Jerry's, The Cancer Institute, Alinta Energy, NSW Government (COVID-19, SafeWork NSW, Department of Planning and Environment, Service NSW), Nando's, NSW Clubs, The Real Pet Food Company.





Executive Creative Director - O'Shea & O'Brien, Sydney.
February 2010 - September 2016

Clients: Red Bull, Air Niugini, Sara Lee, Centro Shopping Centres, Creative by Design, Dainty Consolidated Entertainment, Mariner Boating Holidays and pro-bono client Motor Neurone Disease Australia.





Associate Creative Director - JWT, Sydney.
January 2008 - February 2010

Clients: Kellogg’s, Nestle, Tax Today, NSW Health.





Creative Group Head - DDB, Sydney.
January 2006 - December 2007

Clients: McDonald’s, Audi, Wrigley’s, Eveready, Volkswagen, AVJennings, ANZ.





Senior Writer - Leo Burnett, Sydney.
May 2004 - January 2006

Clients: Subaru, McDonald’s, Canon, Heineken, Johnnie Walker, Bundaberg Rum, Colonial First State, Energy Australia, Freedom Furniture, NRMA Motoring and Services.

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