Stanley St names new ceo, ECD, managing partner

AUCKLAND, Wednesday:  Stanley St has appointed Siobhan (Partington) Burke as ceo to lead the Kiwi-owned integrated creative and media agency. Also new to the agency is ECD Brad Collett, formerly of DDB Aotearoa (replacing former CCO Regan Grafton, who’s joined Culture & Theory), and James McHoull in the new role of managing partner.

Stanley St founder/MD Greg Partington said: “Siobhan was a clear choice for the new role, having been with the business for 25 years, most recently as head of operations,.

Burke says she has learnt a tremendous amount from her brother Greg Partington, and clients will continue to be at the focus of the agency.

“Greg and I have a strong working relationship and I have huge respect for what he has achieved throughout his career,” she said.

“We share an understanding of the importance of our clients, continuous learning, and staying ahead of the curve. Being an independent business, we’re well placed to respond quickly to changing market needs.”

Greg Partington said: “Advertising is in Siobhan’s blood.”

Partington retains the MD role, and remains involved with all businesses within the Stanley St Group at a strategic level.

“Advertising is in her blood.”

Brad Collett
Brad Collett steps into the ECD role after six years as CD at DDB.

Burke says Collett brings a passion for creative ideas that work for brands. “I have no doubt that Brad will be instrumental in designing the creative department for the future by attracting new talent and delivering excellent work,” she said.

He will start on 19 July.

James McHoull
McHoull is an accomplished advertising executive with over 13 years’ experience in the industry across Auckland and London. As managing partner, he will work closely with Collett.

He is a strong advocate for creatives having worked at creatively driven agencies like Wieden + Kennedy and Mother.

McHoull says: “It’s great to be back in the New Zealand market and I’m looking forward to stepping into this new role, supporting the team to deliver their best work. I’m excited by Stanley St’s independence and their innovative approach to campaigns. I’m keen to build strong relationships with our clients by delivering effective creative as we support them through 2021 and beyond”.

McHoull has commenced his role.

Siobhan Burke said: “There is constant talk about how the traditional agency model is changing, the world is more dynamic than ever and that clients are increasingly looking for an agency that is thinking ahead of the curve; here at Stanley St, we are doing it.

“With independence is the freedom to think about it, and then actually do it.”