Andrew Hankin has left Ogilvy Australia after 26 years – his entire career – with the agency. Hankin joined Ogilvy & Mather as a 17-year-old office junior and studio, rising through the ranks to become group creative director three years ago.  

Hankin announced his departure on LinkedIn, beginning with the heartfelt, “26 years at Ogilvy. It’s hard to put into words what this place has meant to me. Ogilvy hasn’t just been where I worked. It’s where I grew up.

The full post reads, “I walked through these doors at 17 years of age and had the privilege of learning from some of the best minds in our industry, past and present. The lessons, opportunities, friendships and experiences I’ve gained here have shaped both my career and my life.

“Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to help win major pitches, create some of the country’s biggest campaigns, stand on stages collecting awards, make ideas which made a genuine difference and work alongside so many talented people. Most of all, I’ve been part of a culture and community that has meant everything to me.

“So it’s incredibly difficult to say goodbye.

“While I’m not alone in this chapter coming to an end, I do know how grateful I am. To the extraordinary people I’ve worked with, the lifelong friends I’ve made, the talented people whose careers I’ve been lucky enough to help nurture, my wonderful clients over the years, especially the Nestlé team, whose support and friendship have meant so much, thank you. And to the creative leaders, partners and mentors who trusted me, challenged me and inspired me along the way, thank you for helping to shape the person I am today. I leave with deep gratitude and countless memories.

“I’m excited for what comes next. Declaring for the NBA draft for the 25th year in a row, if I don’t hear my name called (again), I’m equally excited for another go at this advertising thing.

“I feel incredibly lucky. Thank you, Ogilvy.”

Hankin’s experience is almost boundless, creating work for some of Australia’s biggest brands, such as Coca-Cola, KFC, Vodafone, Telstra, Qantas, Pizza Hut, Tooheys, Huggies, Hyundai and Nestlé (Uncle Tobys, MILO, Soothers).

Hankin is also the creator of the famous Tamarama beach frypan, (aka We’re Fryin’ Out Here) for Sculpture by the Sea, a huge, visible reminder that 79% of cancers diagnosed in Australia are sun-related, and The Spot, a giant inflatable melanoma, to draw attention to the importance of early detection and prevention of skin cancer.