DDB promotes senior creative duo James Conner and Christie Cooper to creative director roles

DDB’s James Conner and Christie Cooper, a senior creative duo bursting with passion and talent, have been promoted to creative directors.

Cooper has worked at DDB since 2003, “Aside from a short stint away in 2012,” and Conner joined nine years ago, also with, “A few stints away”.

The duo has been a ‘work couple’ for the past eight years and head up creative client campaigns for Westpac, Steinlager and Antarctic Heritage Trust.

Responsible for many award-winning campaigns including BMW April Fools’ Day, Steinlager Live Dive and more, the pair is known for not only creating beautiful work, but often, ‘campaigns for change’ – creativity for a cause.

When asked what keeps them at DDB, Cooper responds, “After 13 years, I still get excited about coming to work every morning. I love the challenges, the opportunities and the projects we get to work on. The talented, fun and caring group of people we get to work with is also a big bonus.”

Says Conner: “It’s pretty simple; a no jerk policy. If you’re a dick, you don’t last long here. There are far too many bullies in this industry and I think we’re incredibly lucky at DDB that this kind of behaviour isn’t tolerated.”

The head creative duo at DDB, chief creative officer, Damon Stapleton, and executive creative director, Shane Bradnick, can’t speak highly enough of Conner and Cooper too.

Says Bradnick: “It’s been a privilege working with these clever cookies over the past couple of years. Their dedication to their craft is inspiring to others and their creativity and knack for big ideas that nail brand insights – unrelenting.”

Says Stapleton: “From live stunts to epic cinematic productions to small-budget, for-a-cause campaigns, there isn’t a lot that these two can’t do, and I’m thrilled to announce their well-deserved promotion.”

When asked to describe each other in a few words, Conner says, “Describing Christie in a few words is too hard – she deserves more than that! She’s an awesome mum, hilarious and always thinking about how we can do better work and improve ourselves. She’s the best work wife anyone could ask for; incredibly smart, loves helping people and is in this industry not only to succeed personally but to help others succeed too. And, she’s always got my back.”

Says Cooper on Conner: “If James wasn’t my best friend I would probably hate him. He’s just one of those people who has it all – looks, charisma and an immense amount of talent. I can’t think of one thing he’s not good at. He’s also fiercely loyal, compassionate and unwavering in his support for anyone and anything he believes in.”