In the second HOT List of 2023, Mediaweek contributing editor and MFA Hall of Famer Greg “Sparrow” Graham continues tracking the best-performing media and creative agencies.
Sizzling HOT
Media agency
Atomic 212º
What a sizzling hot start to the year, after the recent big win of Craveable Brands/Red Rooster, Atomic follows up with luxury expedition and voyager line Ponant. Plus, with recent promotions of the excellent current leadership, the agency is on a roll. Also, it’s hard to beat the experience and connections of our Mediaweek Power List heavyweight Barry O’Brien OAM, the founder and chairman.
Craveable Brands
Creative Agency
Thinkerbell
Thinkerbell with its Measured Magic continues a hot streak with outstanding work for blue chip clients Lion – Little Creatures/Mardi Gras, FlyBuys, The Reject Shop, Dan Murphy’s, Bega, QT Hotels, etc. Plus, there has been impressive growth in Melbourne, Sydney, and Auckland.
Thinkerbell work for XXXX
HOTTEST
Media Agency
Speed
Another hot start to the year with several new business wins such as Elmo and Clear Skincare. This is off incredible growth and momentum at Speed last year with wins for Colonial First State, Carnival Cruise Lines, Archie Rose, Boody and the Dulux Group. Exceptional leadership from another Mediaweek Agency Power List player Ian Perrin.
Clear Skin Care
Creative Agency
Ogilvy
A global and local hot creative powerhouse that inspires great brands such as Coke, Mondelez/Cadbury, Kimberly Clark, Nestle, etc. An impressive recent Ogilvy win was Tabcorp – agency of record for customer experience. I really respect the great work they do consistently for AAMI and KFC. Brilliant leadership from Sally Kissane and a great agency since its inception by David Ogilvy in 1948 harnessing iconic culture-changing work.
HOT
Media Agency
OMD
Always simmering along, this mega media agency consistently delivers for major clients like Telstra, Qantas, Suncorp, Coles, McDonald’s, NSW & Vic Govt, etc with a brilliant focus on people and culture. OMD is growing its relationship with Suntory in the APAC region and retaining Beiersdorf which the agency has looked after for 18 years.
Creative Agency
Connecting Plots
A great indie agency with a wonderful ethos of old-school thinkers and new-world dreamers. Super impressive growth and body of work, Connecting Plots is definitely one to watch. A great win for the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW/Royal Easter Show kicks off the year to a great start.
Connecting Plots work for Jagermeifter
See also: Sparrow’s 2022 Hot Lists
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Criteria for making the Mediaweek Hot Lists
• New business success
• Current client retention
• Momentum
• Industry acclaim and buzz
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