Droga5 ANZ co-chief creative officer Barbara Humphries is departing the agency after 14 years, marking a significant leadership change for the creative agency.
Humphries, who joined the agency in 2012 when it was still known as The Monkeys, has been a longstanding figure in its creative leadership, rising through the ranks from senior art director to co-chief creative officer.
“We can confirm Barbara Humphries is leaving Droga5. We thank her for her significant contribution and wish her all the best for the future,” said a Droga5 ANZ spokesperson.
Her next move remains unknown.
Humphries was elevated to co-chief creative officer alongside Damon Stapleton in April 2025, following the appointment of former Droga5 Australia chief creative officer Tara Ford to lead the agency’s London creative offering.
The promotion saw Humphries take on creative leadership responsibilities across Australia and New Zealand, having previously served as executive creative director since 2022.
During her tenure, Humphries helped shape some of the agency’s most celebrated work, including the Government of Tuvalu’s ‘The First Digital Nation’, which secured the Dan Wieden Titanium Lions Grand Prix at Cannes Lions in 2023.
She was also part of the creative leadership behind Sydney Opera House’s ‘Play It Safe’, which claimed the Film Lions Grand Prix at Cannes Lions in 2024.
Before joining The Monkeys, Humphries held creative roles at Wieden+Kennedy London and Publicis Mojo Melbourne.
Beyond her agency work, Humphries has been a prominent figure in the wider creative industry, serving on the AWARD Council, mentoring emerging talent and participating in international awards juries. She was named Creative Leader of the Year in 2024.
Her departure brings to a close a significant chapter at the agency, spanning its years as The Monkeys, its transition to Droga5 ANZ and its subsequent creative leadership restructure.
It is not yet known who will succeed Humphries in the co-chief creative officer role.
