Little Giant appoints former Colenso BBDO digital CD Aaron Turk to the role of creative director

Little Giant, Linked by Isobar has appointed Aaron Turk as the agency’s new creative director, replacing Erik Hay who departed for Wellington in May.

Turk has extensive experience in creative leadership roles, and a body of work across some of the world’s leading brands, including Volkswagen, Gatorade, Nike, McDonald’s, BNZ, Samsung and Pedigree.

Most recently Turk helped drive Colenso BBDO’s approach to digital in the role of digital creative director for nearly a decade. Prior to his return to New Zealand in 2008, he was creative director and a managing partner at Tribal DDB Sydney for more than seven years.

Turk’s reputation in the industry has seen him judge awards including the Cannes Cyber Lions in 2007 and 2014. He has also received gongs for his campaigns at Cannes, Spikes, DMA’s, Caples and ECHO Awards.

Turk says he’s excited to join the team at Little Giant: “Little Giant is one of the fastest growing, and most exciting agencies in New Zealand right now. The business’ approach to the work, quality of talent and ability to adapt to change has them well-positioned to become one of the country’s most influential agencies. I’m both excited and humbled to be joining such a talented team, and look forward to contributing to the future success of the agency.”

CEO and founder Mark Hurley describes Turk’s appointment as a key move in finalising their innovative approach to creative work: “We have a unique creative discipline, in that it combines traditional art director and copywriter roles with digital experience and product designer roles. We needed a creative leader who understood the changing nature of creativity in the connected age, and could bring these roles together to deliver industry leading creative solutions.

“We believe Aaron is the perfect person for this role we are extremely excited to have someone of his calibre joining our leadership team. He is a terrific creative leader who has over a decade’s experience blending creativity and technology to drive client transformation and growth. It’s an exciting time for us and our clients.”

The appointment of Aaron Turk follows a successful 12 months for the agency which was acquired by Dentsu Aegis Network in August 2017 and, in the same year, won Campaign Asia Pacific’s New Zealand Digital Agency of the Year.