MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA — Advertising agency Akcelo has appointed Simon McCrudden as Partner, Group Brand Strategy, based in the Melbourne office, to deepen the company’s brand capability across local and international markets.
The former chief strategy officer of Hero/McCann saw the agency win multiple pieces of new business including Toyota, Pernod Ricard, and Sustainability Victoria. In addition, his campaigns for Victoria Police and WorkSafe were recognized at the APAC Effies among others.
Working alongside Akcelo Chief Strategy Officer and Partner Dave Di Veroli and Melbourne Managing Partner Jon Kenyon, Simon will oversee brand strategy, research, and effectiveness for Akcelo’s portfolio of Australian and global clients across its network of offices in Sydney, Melbourne and North America.
Dave said: “Having Simon join the team helps round out Akcelo’s strategic firepower across CX, communications, and brand planning. Blending his deep brand smarts with Akcelo’s innovative model, whilst also focusing on research and effectiveness, will only boost our team’s ability to deliver powerful brand experiences for our clients.”
Simon has worked at internationally awarded agencies, including executive planning director and chief strategy officer roles at BMF, McCann Worldgroup, and JWT. Prior to moving to Australia, he held a senior strategy position at Wieden + Kennedy London.
Simon added: “Having the chance to join Aden, Dave, Jon and the rest of the team was too good to pass up. Of every agency out there at the moment, I feel that Akcelo offers something truly unique, and an environment where I can continue to learn and grow. The scope and quality of their offer is second to none, and I look forward to helping them continue to redefine what marketers can expect their agency partners to deliver for them.”
Aden Hepburn, CEO at Akcelo said: “Brands have so many opportunities to build deep connections with consumers, but it has never been harder to create a memorable, lasting impact with them. Akcelo creates distinctive and holistic experiences that deliver outsized growth and impact and Simon’s extensive global and local experience at leading agencies, together with his creative drive, further boosts our ability to advance great outcomes for our clients.”
Since launching in 2020, Akcelo has experienced exponential growth, working with leading Australian and international brands across entertainment, technology, QSR, sports, lifestyle, and FMCG.
