Australia – Special Australia has announced a series of leadership appointments as it continues to expand its national operations, naming four senior leaders to its team: Sasha Firth, Simon Gibson, Nils Eberhardt and Christie Meischke.
The agency said the appointments come as it builds on its position as one of the country’s independent agencies. Lindsey Evans, CEO of Special Australia and partner, said the new additions would help accelerate the company’s next phase of growth.
“We are incredibly excited by the serious firepower these awesome humans bring to everything Special. We have always said that all we really have to set ourselves apart is talent and the culture we create for that talent to thrive, the rest will take care of itself,” Evans said.
He added, “Special has somehow managed to consistently attract and retain an unfair share of the very best. We are beautifully poised to supercharge our future fit offering and accelerate the creative impact we deliver for the ambitious brand owners we are privileged to work with.”
Sasha Firth, who joined Special in May 2024, has been appointed permanently as managing director. She will lead Special Australia nationally alongside Tori Lopez, who has been with the agency since its early days.
Firth most recently led the Melbourne office and will now focus on national integration and future-focused operations, including artificial intelligence, technology and innovation enablement. She will continue overseeing Melbourne, supported by a new senior leadership role that is expected to be announced. Prior to joining Special, Firth spent five years at DDB Group Australia as managing partner.
Evans said, “I couldn’t be happier to have been reunited with the brilliant human that is Sasha – we have enjoyed many years of adventures in this industry together, at The Campaign Palace and Happy Soldiers, and over the last year she has made an immeasurable impact on our Melbourne business, its momentum, culture and performance. She is an all too rare talent who has exceptional leadership skills and lives our values – open, kind and brave – in every way.”
Christie Meischke has joined Special as people & culture director, a newly created national role. She will lead initiatives across culture, talent development and employee experience as the agency expands across Sydney and Melbourne. Meischke previously held roles at OMG Australia and Hearts & Science.
“Christie’s appointment fuels Special’s ongoing commitment to putting its people and culture first. We are thrilled to not only have been able to attract such a well-respected and well credentialed professional, but someone who so beautifully combines genuine empathy with ambition,” said Tori Lopez, managing director Special Australia.
Meanwhile, Simon Gibson and Nils Eberhardt have been promoted from group creative directors to executive creative directors. The agency cited their long-standing creative partnership and contribution to its body of work.
Eberhardt joined Special nine years ago and partnered with Gibson five years ago. Together, they have led work including Uber Eats’ “Get Almost, Almost Anything”, Kathmandu’s “We’re Out There”, Uber’s “Can’t Do That If You’re Driving”, Tourism New Zealand’s “Good Morning World”, Uber Eats’ “Sharon and Kim” and Kitchen Warehouse’s “Mum-nipulate The Algorithm”.
In their expanded roles, Gibson and Eberhardt will remain based in Sydney, providing creative leadership across brands, projects and new business. They join Ryan Fitzgerald, who continues as executive creative director leading Melbourne and overseeing creative direction nationally.
“We’re so thrilled to be able to promote Simon and Nils. It’s recognition not only of the exceptional standard of work they’ve delivered and their natural leadership, but of the deep respect they’ve earned across the agency. Their thoughtfulness, clarity and the way they show up for people every day sets the tone for those around them. The roar of applause at our all agency announcement of their appointment pretty much said it all,” said Tom Martin and Julian Schreiber, Special Australia’s CCOs and Partners.
