I could never decide if I wanted to be a director, designer or writer. So I didn’t.Instead, I honed each craft. Starting as a designer, then focusing on art direction, before switching to copywriting—and winning accolades in each role. This diverse background gives me a unique, hands-on experience to help bring a brand's vision to life.Throughout my career, I’ve led the development of breakthrough creative platforms and growth strategies for the likes of adidas, Jack Daniel’s, Reebok, Porsche, Pernod Ricard, and NatWest, across both local and global markets. In the process, I’ve learned how to work with multi-disciplinary talents across all channels of communication and transform diverse individuals into unified, inclusive teams. Allowing me to successfully build, scale and lead creative agencies and departments across the UK, Europe, North America and Australia.All of this has shaped who I am today. A progressive, ego-free creative leader with a deep passion for building brands that play a meaningful role in our lives.
Freelance
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Creative Director, Strategic Partner And Fractional LeaderFreelanceUnited Kingdom
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Global Executive Creative DirectorIma Aug 2022 - Nov 2024London, England, United KingdomGlobal creative leadership role post-HOME agency acquisition, managing an integrated company that scaled from 200 to 400 staff across seven offices worldwide• Defined the company’s global vision, driving transformative growth and organisational change.• Modernised the agency’s offering, focusing on customer-centricity, AI, and digital transformation.• Transformed talent and culture, creating a modern, unified, and inclusive global creative team.• Led creative output across the entirety of IMA offices and advised the broader Smollan Group.• Expanded social, production, and commerce services, aligning with trends to drive business success.• Leveraged AI and ML to boost effectiveness and win key business for adidas and Tommy Hilfiger.• Managed the London office, driving business growth, leading talent acquisition and space design. -
Executive Creative DirectorIma-Home Oct 2016 - Jul 2022London, United KingdomCreative leader of a growing integrated agency that scaled from 80 to 200 staff. Setting the organisational vision for change, generating strategies for transformation and global growth. • Set creative direction, driving growth across five global offices and expanding the creative product with substantial gains in key markets across North America, Asia, and Australia.• Led and secured major new business wins, becoming the global agency of record for Hisense while serving as the strategic and creative lead for KIND and MAOAM.• Managed a 30+ integrated creative studio, delivering award-winning work for adidas and Reebok.• Played a key role in the agency’s growth, leading to its acquisition by AdvantageSmollan in 2017. -
Creative DirectorIma-Home Jun 2015 - Oct 2016London, United KingdomLeadership role in developing an independent UK agency, founding its London office, enhancing its creative reputation, and driving significant growth and expansion.• Led creative direction, driving innovation and brand growth in line with evolving market trends.• Expanded the creative product to include experiential, digital tech, and content creation services.• Transformed the agency’s 15+ UK studio team, refocusing their strategic and creative approach.• Established and grew the London office, expanding the team and securing major new business.• Led a high-performing team to deliver groundbreaking campaigns for adidas, Reebok, and Triumph. -
Creative DirectorCommunicator London Jul 2013 - Sep 2015London, United KingdomCreative leadership role managing and expanding a London-based independent agency. Transforming the offering and scaling the business from a small to midweight agency.• Established creative direction and restructured the department, streamlining processes to enhance efficiency and profitability.• Modernised capabilities in social, digital, and experiential, aligning with market trends to drive growth.• Transformed a small siloed team into a dynamic, high-performing, multi-disciplinary creative group.• Secured retainer relationships and delivered award-winning social-led campaigns for Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, and San Pellegrino. -
Creative DirectorCircle Imc Jul 2010 - Jun 2013London, United KingdomCreative leader and business partner of a small independent agency with big ambitions. Directed a three-year growth strategy centered on creativity, transforming the company for significant expansion.• Set the vision and creative direction, elevating brand experiences to grow clients and revenue.• Led a small team, unifying the creative offering into a more inclusive, cross-disciplinary approach.• Won and delivered breakthrough work for Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet, Chanel, Clinique, and SEGA.• Drove accelerated growth, leading to Circle’s acquisition by WonderWorks in 2013. -
Senior Art DirectorM&C Saatchi London Mar 2005 - Jun 2010London, United KingdomSenior creative across all media channels, driving innovative solutions and growth for top-tier clients in automotive, finance, retail, and CPG sectors.• Directed the vision and creative strategy for major accounts like NatWest, PC World, and Curry’s.• Launched Foster’s first digital campaign, earning numerous awards.• Produced Dixon’s award-winning print campaign, the agency’s most awarded work in 2009.• Led creative that secured significant new business wins for Halfords, Ribena, and Lucozade.• Developed and coached junior creative teams through key hires and industry-leading mentorships. -
Art DirectorCmw Jan 2001 - Feb 2005London, United Kingdom• Art Director, enhancing the agency’s creative output and establishing it as a creative force.• Generated impactful campaigns for high-profile brands including Porsche, Renault, and HSBC.• Led the creative that won the Butlins account, the agency’s most profitable and awarded client. -
DesignerStack Agency Sep 1999 - Dec 2000London, England• Started with less glamorous projects, quickly rising through hard work, talent and late nights. • Promoted to Design Lead, overseeing flagship brands like Porsche, Renault, and Waitrose.
Simon Long Education Details
Frequently Asked Questions about Simon Long
What company does Simon Long work for?
Simon Long works for Freelance
What is Simon Long's role at the current company?
Simon Long's current role is Creative Director, Strategic Partner and Fractional Leader.
What schools did Simon Long attend?
Simon Long attended Coventry University.
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Simon Long
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Simon Long
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