Purpose-driven agency, Think HQ, has appointed Michael Knox to the newly created role of executive creative director. Knox joins from NewsCorp, where he spent just over two years as executive creative director of the publisher’s in-house creative agency, Roller. Prior to that, Knox was chief creative officer of Grey Australia for six years before moving to Grey Group Hong Kong for three years where he was chief creative officer, responsible for improving the creative product and strategic reputation of Grey Group Greater China. Knox was also executive creative director of Ogilvy Melbourne for six years.

In his new role, Knox will be working across all disciplines and teams at Think HQ to push and elevate the work, create famous campaigns on any channel and lead and mentor people. A key component of Michael’s role will also involve him working closely with clients.

During his 25+ years in the industry, Knox has worked across some of the world’s most widely recognised brands and campaigns including TAC’s Ungiven Gifts, MS Australia This Bike has MS and Hong Kong Tourism Board Reframing Hong Kong. He is also the co-host of popular podcast, The Imposterous, where he and Graham Drew explore the idea that the world’s most respected creative professionals suffer pangs of inadequacy that can either stifle their potential brilliance or protect them from mediocrity.

“We are thrilled to have Michael join the Think HQ team, not only because he is one of the best in the business, but because his appointment moves us a step closer to achieving one of the boldest and most exciting goals I have for our agency. Our creative offering is already exceptional, and with Michael on board we are confident that we can take that to the absolute next level and evolve the agency into very exciting territory,” stated Think HQ founder and managing director, Jen Sharpe.

“Michael brings world-class experience, aligned values, and shares our commitment of producing creative work with a conscience. I’m very much looking forward to working together as we redefine the role of creativity in delivering positive change, both with our clients and across the Think HQ group, collaborating with all our business units,” added Andy Lima, Think HQ’s group head of creative, production and digital.

Knox commented, “Think HQ is an incredible business. It is uniquely positioned to create the type of work that’s needed to be effective today. Its purpose first beliefs, inclusive approach to creativity and desire to only make work that has a positive impact in culture is something I’m strongly aligned with and looking forward to being part of.”

Cover image l-r: Andy Lima, Jen Sharpe, Michael Knox