Simon Langley has become partner and executive creative director at Edge, leaving his role as national chief creative officer of Wunderman Thompson Australia. He replaces Matt Batten, who left Edge in December after three years with the agency, and work across the agency’s Sydney and Melbourne offices.

Langley joined J. Walter Thompson at the beginning of 2014 as executive creative director Sydney and ANZ creative lead, becoming chief creative officer in November 2018. In March 2019, he became national chief creative officer of the merged Wunderman Thompson Australia and the agency has consistently ranked as one of the most awarded and effective offices in the network since. Langley was also instrumental in integrating the broader digital and experience capabilities into the national creative department after the merger.

Prior to Wunderman Thompson, Langley held creative leadership roles at 303 MullenLowe, helping the agency double in size before the acquisition by Lowe and over six years at BMF, three as creative director, helping win several Agency of the Year titles and Agency of the Decade. He has been awarded at all the major festivals, winning D&AD yellow Pencils, Cannes gold, silver & bronze Lions, One Show gold and silver Pencils and Grands Prix at Spikes Asia.

He commented, “I’ve loved my time at WT, so it took a special opportunity to lure me away. I’ve been impressed by Edge and their evolution. They have real momentum and I connected strongly with the senior leadership team – sharing their philosophy, vision, and values. I’m excited to be joining an independent as a partner and can’t wait to get stuck in and help take the business to the next level.”

David Stretch, group managing director at Edge, stated, “We’re delighted that Simon joins us as a partner in the business as well as ECD – we’re looking forward to working with him to produce world-class creative work for our clients, and also to continue to shape Edge as one of the leading independent agencies in Australia. Simon is joining Edge at a time that is undoubtedly challenging for the wider industry, but finds us full of energy and optimism for the future. Simon’s reputation for strong creative leadership, his passion for delivering great work, and his open and collaborative nature are all skills we need to help drive growth for our clients through this period.”

Michael Godwin, managing partner, Wunderman Thompson, added, “Simon has been a fabulous creative leader, mentor and partner for all of us at WT over the past six years. He’s fostered a burning ambition across our Australian offices to develop more impactful, effective and highly integrated ideas for our clients’ businesses and their brands. Beyond the quality of our creative output, Simon’s legacy is to leave one of the most talented national creative departments in the country and a team of senior creative leaders who he’s taught well, through his passion for developing talent at all levels.

“Our ongoing commitment remains to provide our creative department, the wider agency and our clients with strong creative stewardship. I want to thank Simon for his commitment and dedication to the national team and wish him every success for the future.”

Langley stated, “It’s been an awesome ride these past 6 years at JWT/WT, but it’s time for me to take on a new challenge.

Langley leaves in September 2020. Further announcements from Wunderman Thompson will be made in due course.