The Brand Agency welcomes back CD Steve Straw and hires Jess Sutton as Art Director

The Brand Agency has welcomed back creative director Steve Straw. One of Western Australia’s most awarded and experienced creative directors, he has re-joined the agency after recently leaving 303MullenLowe. Also joining the creative and design team is Art Director Jess Sutton.

Straw has over 20 years of experience leading creative teams at some of the most successful agencies in South Africa, Asia and Australia. He has been awarded at all the major shows and led the creative output for clients such as Chevrolet, McDonald’s and KFC, amongst many others. Steve was recently responsible for the multi-Effie award-winning ‘One Drink’ campaign for the Mental Health Commission, whilst at 303MullenLowe with his previous creative partner Steve Lorrimer.

Sutton, a 2022 Award School Graduate, started her career as a Pharmacist, pivoting into TV production and design before finding her true calling as an Art Director. She teams up at The Brand Agency with Copywriter Blanche Mckie.

Dean Hunt (pictured middle), Executive Creative Director at The Brand Agency, said “When the opportunity to welcome back Steve Straw came up – we jumped at the chance. He’s a respected creative leader who understands the WA market, our clients, and us. His mentorship and focus on execution will be a great benefit to our department’s offering. With Jess, I remember seeing her Award School book at last year’s graduation and her unique thinking stood out. There was something quite unexpected about her ideas that made her an immediate target. Exciting times”.

Straw (pictured right) said: “It’s great to be back with The Brand crew. I’m loving my new, much shorter email address, and with so many familiar faces around, it feels as if I’d only taken a bit of extended leave. I’m looking forward to working closely with Dean and the rest of the department, and with the spread of great brands to work on, it’s an absolute feast for any creative”.

Sutton (pictured left) said: “After meeting with Dean and engaging in some lively banter, I just knew he was someone I wanted to work with and learn from. I’m super excited to join the creative team at The Brand Agency, working among the cream of the crop in the industry and sinking my teeth into some great ideas”.