Independent full-service agency Apparent has strengthened its creative leadership team with three new senior hires: Sam McGuinness, Gillian Dalla Pozza and Leisa Ilander.
McGuinness joins Apparent as creative director, visual design, bringing experience from Canva, R/GA Sydney and New York, Turner Duckworth and Re. He will oversee the agency’s team of brand, visual and motion designers, working closely with creative director experience Cristina Douglas.
“It feels like no-one has quite cracked the integration of brand, visual and experience design,” McGuinness said. “What really attracted me to Apparent is the way they put the customer at the centre of everything, creating work that doesn’t just look good, it’s deeply connected to how people actually think, feel and behave.”
Former Dentsu Creative associate creative directors Ilander and Dalla Pozza have been appointed joint creative directors. The award-winning duo have worked together for more than a decade, most recently on campaigns for THE ICONIC that were recognised for their insight-driven and innovative use of media.
“We’re passionate about odd-shaped ideas that make people feel something and deliver real impact, especially in digital and social spaces,” Ilander said. “Apparent is a growing agency with the talent and firepower to bring those ideas to life.”
“Apparent is an agency with a shared vision, where big ideas, experience design and best-in-class execution all come together,” Dalla Pozza added. “The chance to join at such a pivotal moment and be part of the team that helps shape where the agency is headed creatively is hugely exciting.”
Hamish Stewart, chief creative and experience officer at Apparent, welcomed the hires: “I’m incredibly excited to have Sam, Gill and Leisa join the team. Modern brands are increasingly complex, coming to life across the brand experience. With the calibre of leaders we’re attracting, plus our flexibility, structure and scale, we can bring best-in-class thinking to clients at pace. Best of all, all three are already adding immeasurably to our brilliant culture.”
Apparent’s client roster includes Google, Volkswagen, Audi, Optus, Vanuatu Tourism Office and Tip Top. The agency now employs more than 180 staff across strategy, creative, media and production.
Top image: Gillian Dalla Pozza, Sam McGuinness and Leisa Ilander