Born Social has promoted creative director, Simon Cooper, to the newly created role of executive creative director, as the agency continues to accelerate its ambition to become the defining social-first creative agency.

Cooper steps into the role after leading some of the agency’s most significant creative work since joining Born Social in 2024 to oversee the Ford account. A creative leader with more than 20 years’ experience across social, broadcast and agency environments, he has consistently raised the creative standard of the agency’s output while helping shape its culture, client relationships and creative ambition.

In his new role, Cooper will report to chief creative officer, Paddy Smith, who recently relocated to the US to help lead the agency’s growing presence in the region. Together, they will focus on shaping the agency’s creative vision, strengthening Born Social’s industry reputation and expanding its new business opportunities. Cooper will also play a central role in developing the agency’s creative culture and leadership teams.

Cooper will continue to work across key clients including Ford, while overseeing the agency’s day-to-day creative output. He will lead the creative department alongside newly appointed creative operations director, Jonjo Neeves, leading a team of 22 creatives. 

Before joining Born Social, Cooper held creative director roles at That Lot and worked in production at BBC Radio 1 and Dave (UKTV), bringing together broadcast storytelling and digital-native creativity. His portfolio includes Ford’s The Legend Is Back Capri reveal, Spotify Wrapped 2022, the Puma Gen-E reveal, Channel 4’s Ackley Bridge Snapchat series and The Internet Takeover with Dan & Phil for BBC Radio 1. His work has been recognised by the Broadcast Awards, RTS Awards, Creative Circle and the Lovies.

Paddy Smith commented,“Since Simon joined Born Social to lead the Ford account, he’s consistently raised the bar, leading some of the biggest work in the agency to date. He’s a triple threat: a creative powerhouse with an incredible ability to write ideas that travel, a deep respect for how traditional craft can evolve in a social-first world, and an empathetic, inspiring leader who gets the very best out of the people around him. Simon is exactly the type of creative leader Born Social needs as we continue our journey to becoming one of the industry’s most respected creative agencies. He will play a vital role in helping our clients embrace social-first brand building and reach new creative heights.”

Simon Cooper added,“I’m already incredibly lucky to work with the best of the industry’s creative talent at Born Social. We’re on a mission to redefine what social creativity looks like, putting social at the heart of our clients’ businesses and creating exciting, award-winning work that leads and inspires.”