Howatson+Company names Richard Shaw CCO

Howatson+Company has promoted Richard Shaw to chief creative officer following a global search for the agency’s next creative leader.

Shaw steps up from deputy chief creative officer, a role he held most recently after joining Howatson+Company in 2022. The agency said he has played a role in new business wins and its creative output.

His appointment is effective immediately, with Shaw set to announce further senior hires in the coming weeks.

Global search ends in-house

Howatson+Company founder and CEO Chris Howatson said the agency ultimately found its preferred candidate within its existing leadership team.

“The very best candidate to lead us into the future was already here," Howatson said.

"Rich is an incredible creative leader, talent, and partner to brands. What makes Rich’s work special is how he balances the three pillars of modern persuasion - idea, craft and orchestration. I'm proud to see him represent creativity at H+Co”

Shaw has more than 20 years of industry experience, and the agency points to his focus on the commercial impact of creative work and the teams behind it.

Shaw takes the top creative role

Shaw said the promotion marked the next stage of his time with the agency.

“Working alongside Howie and the team to get to this point has been an amazing journey. It goes without saying how excited I am for this next chapter. We’ve got the most incredible clients and talent across the agency and I can’t wait to keep building on that. Our aim is clear: make the most impactful, most effective, most ambitious work and have fun doing it.”

The appointment also signals further movement in Howatson+Company’s senior creative ranks, with additional hires expected to be announced in the coming weeks.