Newcastle-based independent consultancy SOLVD Agency has appointed award-winning art director Dan Stephens as its inaugural Creative Director, marking a new phase of growth for the regional media and creative business.
In the newly created role, Stephens will lead the agency’s creative vision across brand, campaign, and content, working alongside SOLVD’s strategy, design, account service, and production teams to develop ideas that deliver stronger commercial outcomes for clients.
The appointment reflects the agency’s expanding client base and its ambition to deepen creative capability as it scales its offering across communications, media and marketing services.
Building creative firepower in Newcastle
Stephens brings nearly two decades of experience spanning production houses, creative agencies and media companies across Sydney and Newcastle.
He is widely recognised for his work on the ‘Ken Oath’ campaign for Kennards Hire, as well as projects for brands including Spotify, BHP and the Newcastle Knights.
Before joining SOLVD Agency, Stephens served as Senior Art Director at Enigma, delivering integrated campaigns, corporate identity and brand development for clients such as Carlton & United Breweries, TAL, Transport for NSW and SunRice.
Earlier in his career, he spent several years at oOh!media, leading creative across large-format billboards, retail and airport environments for brands including Sydney Airport and Google.
His work has also been recognised nationally, including a Gold Croc at the 2024 Cairns Crocodile Awards for Best B2B Campaign for the Kennards Hire “Ken Oath” campaign.
‘Creativity isn’t just a department’
SOLVD Principal Consultant Sam Gannon said Stephens’ appointment signals the agency’s continued investment in creativity as it builds its capabilities.
“Dan is an important addition to the SOLVD team, bringing strong creative muscle to our key clients and taking us to the next level in our creative thinking.
“Adding our first-ever full-time Creative Director to our team is a testament to our growth in recent years on the back of several successful client wins, the launch of our new media division, and our recognition on the AFR Fast Starters list.
“Dan’s appointment demonstrates that we are focused on insightful creativity that drives real results, and we’re embedding that ethos across every department, because here, creativity isn’t just a department.”
Stephens said the role offers the opportunity to shape the creative direction of a growing independent agency while staying connected to the regional creative community.
“I’ve always taken a hands-on approach to shaping ideas, from insight through to execution, ensuring the work is smart, distinctive and beautifully crafted. The opportunity to bring that mindset to SOLVD and lead the creative direction alongside such a talented team is incredibly exciting.
“Working in Newcastle is also important to me. I’m keen to unlock creative opportunities in regional centres, and it’s great to be part of an independent, forward-thinking regional agency.”
Founded in 2020, SOLVD Agency provides strategic communications, branding, creative, marketing and media buying services for clients including Reflections Holiday Parks, PKF, Third.i Group, Glencore, Surfest, the University of Newcastle, Noveco Surfaces and Hunter Water Corporation.
Stephens’ appointment is effective immediately.
Main image: Dan Stephens