Brian Hickling
Extreme Group has brought on 20-year advertising veteran Brian Hickling as lead creative director of its Halifax office. Hickling will direct the agency’s Halifax practice, while the Toronto office will continue to be led by creative director Phil Silver.
“He’ll be overseeing everything that comes out of the agency. His mandate is to create a culture of excellence,” said Extreme Group president Shawn King.
“I wanted someone who understands what it means to be in that role — that understands the impact and management, and all the things that come with it,” he added.
Hickling’s experience in creative and art direction includes stints at Saatchi & Saatchi, Cossette, Leo Burnett and Bensimon Byrne. He’s had a hand in developing campaigns for top brands like Nike, IKEA, Rogers Sportsnet and LG Canada.
In 2009, he left his position as vice-president at Halifax-based agency Colour to found his own agency, One Hundred & Ten. For the past year he has been working in Toronto on contract with Publicis.
“The opportunity to be part of this very creative organization, led by a former creative director and now president, is unique. There’s a creative heart and great creative pedigree to this company,” he said. “To be an east coast agency on the national landscape, that’s exciting to me as well.”
Hickling will be directing Extreme’s work for Nova Scotia Tourism, Mic Mac Mall and Workers Compensation Board N.S. In his new permanent position, he will no longer do independent work as One Hundred & Ten.
Hickling replaces outgoing CD Dylan Moggey, who worked for the firm for three years.
Correction: An earlier draft of this story said that Shawn King would be overseeing creative at the Toronto office. It will continue to be overseen by Phil Silver.
