Experiential agency Collaborate has poached two award-winning VML creative directors as part of its new line-up.
Richard Hartle and Ewan Ferrier will both join creative director Merlyn Gray in their new roles.
Under Gray’s leadership the agency is conducting experiential campaigns for eBay, Hyundai, Colgate-Palmolive, Kuoni and Randox.
His career has also seen compelling creative work across brands such as Coty Shisheido, Philips and William Grant & Sons.
Hartle brings twenty years experience including eight years developing creative teams working with high profile brands including Lego, Carlsberg, Tuborg, Boots, Gore-Tex and Huawei. His work has won awards at Cannes, DA&AD and The One Show.
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Meanwhile Ferrier’s career includes work for Levi’s, Adidas, McLaren F1, Vodafone, Heineken and most recently Coca-Cola.
“There is growing brand desire to connect with people via big and bold ideas, beautifully produced, to create memorable moments. I’m delighted that Rich and Ewan are joining our studio – both are rockstar designers, brilliant and original creative thinkers with style,” said executive creative director Andrew Walker.
“Together with Merlyn’s innovative work, this new creative powerhouse will super charge our offering to clients.”
Speaking about his new role, Hartle said: “The world of physical objects, spaces and experiences is where I spent my first career years- in furniture, retail design and architecture – getting back to that is exciting. Especially with Andrew, Merlyn, Ewan and the rest of the outstanding Collaborate team. They’re forward-looking, and growth driving.”
Ferrier added that “It’s a critically exciting time – experiential design is a high-riding priority for brands today. And with Collaborate, I’m getting to do this with a great team and an agency on the rise!”
