The Monkeys has appointed Beth O’Brien to the Sydney-based position of head of innovation, starting in January next year.
O’Brien is a globally recognised creative leader, having previously worked as Colenso BBDO Aotearoa’s creative director.
O’Brien entered advertising after completing a Masters in Fine Arts. She won New Zealand’s first D&AD Black Pencil for Pedigree’s K9FM before moving to New York, where she worked at Droga5 as a senior art director followed by RGA as associate creative director.
Since returning home, O’Brien has built a reputation as one of the top people under 40 championing change and progress in the APAC region.
She’s spoken on stage at both Australian and New Zealand Semi Permanent Festivals, and also launched Love This, a podcast that interviews creative leaders from around the globe.
O’Brien is a firm believer in using creativity to dismantle systems that don’t serve the planet, the historically marginalised, and young people, and is passionate about innovating new ways of doing things.
Her work has been celebrated at major global creative award shows including Cannes, D&AD, The One Show, Clio, Spikes and numerous local shows.
“The great relationship of my life has been to creativity,” said O’Brien.
“It’s grounded me in imagination, possibility, and most importantly people. The Monkeys deliver all three. I cannot wait to get started.”
The Monkeys chief creative officer, Tara Ford, added, “Beth is a truly unique creative talent. So, I’m super excited to see just where we can take this.”
