2023 Creative LIAisons Coaches
Stephen de Wolf
National Chief Creative OfficerDDB Group Australia
Sydney
After two unsuccessful attempts at a swimming career, it was clear the time had come for Stephen (Wolfie) to try his hand at something new. So, he hung up his Speedos and goggles, picked up a black marker and began a career as an art director.
That 20+ year career has taken him around the globe to some of the world's most creative agencies: starting in Perth, moving to Melbourne, New Zealand, and London and now bringing him to Sydney.
He became DDB Australia’s National Chief Creative Officer in October 2021, joining from BBH London, where he was the Chief Creative Officer.
Before that, he was CCO at Clemenger BBDO Melbourne, where he created some of the agency's most iconic campaigns including the Transport Accident Commission’s Meet Graham, the most awarded creative campaign in the world, Snickers’ Hungerithm, Airbnb’s Until We Belong and Myer’s Naughty or Nice Bauble.
Stephen was part of the Creative Leadership team who guided Clemenger BBDO Melbourne to its coveted position as D&AD Agency of the Year and Agency of the Year at Cannes Lions 2017, the first time any Australian agency received that honour.
Stephen has been crowned the world’s top Creative Director on multiple occasions and has been recognised for both creativity and effectiveness at all major award shows around the world. These highlights include 3 Grand Prix (Health, Cyber and Sustainable Development Goals) and 14 Gold Lions at Cannes, 6 Spikes Grand Prix, multiple Best of Discipline awards at The One Show, multiple Grand Prize and Best in Shows at New York Festivals and multiple D&AD pencils including 6 Yellow and a coveted Black Pencil.
He has judged and chaired both local and international award shows, including Cannes and D&AD.
That 20+ year career has taken him around the globe to some of the world's most creative agencies: starting in Perth, moving to Melbourne, New Zealand, and London and now bringing him to Sydney.
He became DDB Australia’s National Chief Creative Officer in October 2021, joining from BBH London, where he was the Chief Creative Officer.
Before that, he was CCO at Clemenger BBDO Melbourne, where he created some of the agency's most iconic campaigns including the Transport Accident Commission’s Meet Graham, the most awarded creative campaign in the world, Snickers’ Hungerithm, Airbnb’s Until We Belong and Myer’s Naughty or Nice Bauble.
Stephen was part of the Creative Leadership team who guided Clemenger BBDO Melbourne to its coveted position as D&AD Agency of the Year and Agency of the Year at Cannes Lions 2017, the first time any Australian agency received that honour.
Stephen has been crowned the world’s top Creative Director on multiple occasions and has been recognised for both creativity and effectiveness at all major award shows around the world. These highlights include 3 Grand Prix (Health, Cyber and Sustainable Development Goals) and 14 Gold Lions at Cannes, 6 Spikes Grand Prix, multiple Best of Discipline awards at The One Show, multiple Grand Prize and Best in Shows at New York Festivals and multiple D&AD pencils including 6 Yellow and a coveted Black Pencil.
He has judged and chaired both local and international award shows, including Cannes and D&AD.