Stu Turner to Lead Dentsu Creative Australia
The veteran creative will take over the agency role in Australia on 2 November 2026.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in People
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Dentsu Creative Australia has appointed Stu Turner as its new chief creative officer. Turner will officially assume his position on 2 November 2026 as part of the agency's ongoing leadership restructuring.
Why it matters
This appointment signals a significant shift in the agency's creative direction following the launch of its DC26 strategy. By hiring a leader with global programme experience, Dentsu aims to strengthen its national creative output and integrate diverse digital capabilities.
Stu Turner brings 20 years of industry experience to the role following a 12-month tenure leading the global Ad Labs programme at Google. His appointment marks the conclusion of a 17-month transition period.
The players
Stu Turner
He is an experienced creative professional who previously held senior roles at Havas, DDB, the Royals, and VML before leading Google's global Ad Labs programme.
Ben Coulson
He served as the ANZ chief creative officer at Dentsu Creative before his departure from the firm in May 2025.
Brett Colliver
He served as the interim creative lead for the agency following the departure of the former chief creative officer.
The details
Turner is tasked with overseeing the agency's national creative output alongside its media, data, technology, and gaming operations. His hiring follows the unveiling of the DC26 strategy in March 2026, which initiated a broad overhaul of the firm's leadership structure.
Timeline
Ben Coulson departed as ANZ chief creative officer in May 2025.
Dentsu Creative Australia unveiled its DC26 strategy in March 2026.
The appointment of Stu Turner was announced on 29 October 2026.
Stu Turner will officially assume his new role on 2 November 2026.
Market Landscape
The hire aligns with Dentsu Creative Australia's DC26 strategy, which seeks to modernise the agency's organisational framework. This move positions the firm to better compete by centralising creative oversight within its broader media and technology service offerings.
For clients and partners of the agency, this change signals a potential shift in the creative style and strategic approach for upcoming campaigns. Businesses working with the firm may notice new creative standards and integration methods as the agency implements its updated vision.
The takeaway
The appointment highlights the agency's focus on integrating global digital experience into its local creative output. Clients should monitor how this new leadership shapes the delivery of integrated media and data services in the coming months.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership changes, visit Australia People.
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