Creative start-up Imperfect Circle has hired industry exec Jeremy de Villiers as its chief operating officer (COO).

Sydney-based de Villiers, who also takes on a partner role, was most recently regional operations director at VMLY&R and previously ran operations for Clemenger BBDO and Leo Burnett.

Launched six months ago by former Marcel Sydney founder and creative chairman David Nobay and founder of Fin Design & Effects Emma Daines, Imperfect Circle already has offices in Sydney and Shanghai with a Singapore presence anticipated soon.

De Villiers, who also spent six years at Leo Burnett in varying roles and eight years at Saatchi & Saatchi as a senior producer, said he’s excited to be a part of such a people and craft-focused business.

“I’m really excited by what we are building at Imperfect Circle. Mostly, I’m enjoying being so close to the work again. Ultimately, that’s what matters and what excites our team and clients” De Villiers said.

Nobay adds: “I couldn’t be happier to get Jeremy into our little family. Working with friends makes all the hard work so much easier.”