Barbara Humphries Departs as Co-CCO of Droga5 ANZ
The award-winning creative leader leaves the agency after serving as Co-Chief Creative Officer since April 2025.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in People
Barbara Humphries has stepped down from her position as Co-Chief Creative Officer of Droga5 ANZ. Her departure follows a career of over ten years at the agency previously known as The Monkeys.
Why it matters
Humphries is a highly decorated creative leader who helped shape the agency's work over the past decade. Her exit marks a significant leadership change for the firm following a period of major industry recognition.
Humphries spent more than ten years with the agency and served on the AWARD Council for eight years. During her tenure, she contributed to projects that earned prestigious industry accolades.
The players
Barbara Humphries
She is a decorated creative leader who was named Creative Leader of the Year in 2024.
Droga5 ANZ
This creative agency operates in the Australian and New Zealand market.
AWARD Council
This professional organisation supports the creative industry through education and advocacy.
The details
Rising from a Senior Art Director role in 2012, Humphries advanced through creative and executive leadership positions. She gained global prominence by winning the Dan Wieden Titanium Lions Grand Prix in 2023 and the Film Lions Grand Prix in 2024.
Timeline
2012: Humphries joined The Monkeys agency.
2017: Humphries was promoted to Creative Director.
2022: Humphries became Executive Creative Director.
April 2025: Humphries was named Co-CCO of Droga5 ANZ.
October 2026: Humphries departed the agency.
Market Landscape
Her departure comes after a string of high-profile successes, notably the 2024 Film Lions Grand Prix win for Play It Safe. This move signals a transition phase for the agency as it looks to maintain its creative reputation following the exit of a central leadership figure.
The leadership change may influence the future creative direction of upcoming agency campaigns. Clients and followers of the firm's output will be watching to see how the agency manages this transition in its executive team.
The takeaway
Creative leaders often shape the identity of an agency through years of sustained excellence. The departure of such a prominent figure serves as a reminder of the rapid evolution within the competitive advertising sector.
Further reading
For more updates on leadership shifts in the industry, visit Australia People.
