DARKHORSE strengthens APAC presence with leadership shifts

AUCKLAND, Today: DARKHORSE is expanding its APAC presence following strong growth in Auckland, Sydney, and Singapore. Co-founder Mike Hewitt steps into the CEO role in Sydney, while Francesca Kelly becomes Managing Director in New Zealand.

Supporting Mike and Fran is co-founder and Executive Creative Director Liam Taylor, who continues to drive the agency’s global expansion. This move follows DARKHORSE AU’s success in landing high-profile clients like Sephora and expanding work with existing partners such as Jaguar Land Rover and Pernod Ricard.

“My family and I are pumped to move to beautiful Sydney and I’m excited for this next step in our agency’s ambitious plan to harness and export the magic of DARKHORSE around the world,” says Mike Hewitt.

“Project Worldwide acquired DARKHORSE in 2018 with the aligned aspiration for it to be a true global agency. Supercharged by Project’s alliance of 15 agencies, 42 markets and 2000+ teammates, we have big plans for both our growth and our client proposition.”

“These changes are not only exciting for our agency’s trajectory but they strengthen our offering to existing clients.” – Francesa Kelly

“These changes are not only exciting for our agency’s trajectory but they strengthen our offering to existing clients such as BP, Pernod Ricard and L’Oreal, who are looking to leverage our footprint across Australia, New Zealand and beyond,” says Francesa Kelly.

“Our expansion also gives our team more epic opportunities to work and travel across different markets, and is yet another reason for the industry’s best to join the darkside.”

“I can’t wait to work with Mike and the stable to share more of DARKHORSE with the world,” adds Liam Taylor. “In addition, Mike and I are both thrilled that by stepping into the MD NZ role, Fran, a nine year veteran of DARKHORSE, gives our founding market strong continuity coupled with one foot firmly in the future.”

Since its founding 12 years ago, DARKHORSE has proudly disrupted the status quo with its integrated approach and creative strategies.

The agency’s team includes specialists across strategy, creative, PR, influence, content, digital, social, and events—a multi-disciplinary offering that delivers the services of four agencies in one team.