Tim Newton leaves VML Perth to join St John WA as Creative Director

VML Perth’s Creative Lead, Tim Newton has departed VML to take on a new role as Creative Director at St John WA.

He leaves after 11 years with the agency – first joining when it was called Meerkats, then JWT, Wunderman Thompson and now VML Perth. He has long been one of Perth’s most awarded creatives and this was recognised last year when he was named the Art Director of the Year and overall Diamond Skull winner at the PADC Awards.

Newton will be helping lead the creative department at St John WA alongside Tom Birts. Together they will work with the marketing and brand team to help bring the power of creativity to all brand and business comms.

Newton told Campaign Brief: “Already we’ve been plugging into amazing production partners, who I hold very dear professionally and personally, to spread their creative inspiration to the organisation and collaborate on projects.”

At VML, Newton has served as Creative Lead since he was elevated in mid 2022, with Paula Keamy.

On the new role, Newton said: “The people I worked with there (VML) were amazing colleagues and often, even more amazing friends. While leaving those wonderful people behind was a tough decision; when I was approached for the St John role, I was so excited by the intent and opportunity. Working as a creative, for a purposeful, passionate brand is not something that comes up very often and it is a huge growth and learning opportunity for me. Amazing things are happening already and the team is so welcoming, passionate and dedicated to making a difference, these are the kinds of spaces where creativity thrives!”

He added: “I’d like to add a special mention to the wonderful creative partners I had the privilege of working with during my time at VML. Wilora Keeley taught me so much and was an amazing influence during those formative years. Paula Keamy, is a powerhouse and the work we did together made me so proud.”