The Top 10 Best Leading Creative Advertising Agencies in Australia (2025)
HERO has once again today been named Campaign Brief Australia’s Agency of the Year for the second consecutive year among Australia’s best medium agencies, leading the prestigious and hotly contended Campaign Brief creative agency Hot List competition. It’s a remarkable accolade the sees HERO secure the spot of Australia’s leading top independent creative agency in medium category the for the second year running.
With over 300 submissions every year, the Hot List is the definitive compilation of Australia’s leading top performing and most awarded creative advertising agencies. This is recognition not for the work HERO has produced as Australia’s leading advertising agency, but of the agency’s purpose to Turn Brands Into HEROES and its commitment to the power of creativity to drive meaningful business results. It’s also reflection of the agency’s ambition to see HERO named Australia’s best independent creative advertising agency.
To be acknowledged again at the very top of Australia’s advertising best creative agencies is a testament to the agency’s dedication, passion and strategic thinking that fuels HERO’s work. Commenting on the win, HERO Executive Creative Director Shane Geffen said, “We’re proud to be recognised for our client’s brand campaigns that not only win awards but also deliver measurable growth and demonstrable performance marketing impact for our clients.”
Over the past year, HERO has continued to build on its reputation as Australia’s most creatively awarded independent agency. Added Geffen, “Our creativity has been celebrated across a wide spectrum of prestigious platforms, both locally and globally.”
HERO has been named Australian Agency of the Year - and HERO Australia’s most awarded independent creative advertising agency - at the New York Festivals, awarded a Silver Cannes Lion, multiple Golds at AWARD, and a Grand Prix at Mad Stars for Maybelline’s globally acclaimed Through Their Eyes” campaign, which also received top honours at Spikes Asia. These accolades are not just milestones, they’re reflections of the trust HERO’s clients place in the agency and the collaborative spirit that defines HERO’s creative culture.
Even HERO’s office is award winning. The HERO HQ is the only media and marketing business in Australia listed in the prestigious Australian Interior Design Awards, the Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) and the global INDE. Awards.
HERO’s campaigns for Toyota and Fujifilm also garnered significant recognition, with the Fujifilm Instax Mindography campaign winning metal at Spikes Asia and being celebrated in the Mumbrella Award for Innovation. These projects exemplify HERO’s commitment to blending creativity with technology, storytelling with strategy, and brand purpose with audience insight. HERO was also honoured to receive AdNews’ Social Media Campaign of the Year and Game Changer of the Year, further affirming HERO’s ability to lead in both creative excellence and marketing innovation.
Being named Campaign Brief’s top agency is especially meaningful because of the rigorous and comprehensive selection process behind the ranking. The methodology used by Campaign Brief to compile the definitive list of Australia’s top creative agencies was designed to identify those that truly exemplify world-class standards. It considered a wide range of factors, each reflecting the multifaceted nature of modern advertising and the evolving demands of clients and audiences alike.
One of the key criteria was industry recognition, both in terms of awards and reputation. HERO’s consistent performance across major global and local award shows, including Cannes Lions, Effies, D&AD, One Show, Clios, London International Awards, Adfest, and Spikes Asia, played a significant role in HERO’s selection. These accolades are not just symbols of creative success; they are indicators of HERO’s ability to deliver work that resonates, performs, and endures.
Another important factor was the strength and diversity of HERO’s client portfolio. HERO has built long-standing relationships with blue-chip brands while also delivering innovative work for emerging players. This versatility demonstrates HERO’s ability to adapt, evolve, and create tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. HERO’s campaigns consistently deliver measurable results, and HERO’s case studies reflect a deep understanding of market dynamics, consumer behaviour, and brand strategy.
Creative excellence was also central to the evaluation. HERO’s work was assessed not only for its originality and innovation but also for its effectiveness across various media channels, from print and television to social media, PR, and digital platforms. HERO crafts ideas that are fresh, compelling, and strategically sound, addressing each brand’s unique challenges with insight and imagination.
In today’s competitive agency landscape, digital capabilities and social reach are more critical than ever. HERO’s proficiency in areas such as social media, programmatic advertising, performance marketing, and data analytics was a key consideration. HERO has embraced emerging technologies like AI and VR to create integrated campaigns that seamlessly blend traditional and digital media, ensuring HERO’s clients stay ahead in a rapidly changing environment.
Strategic thinking and insight also played a major role in HERO’s ranking. The agency’s approach to brand and creative strategy is grounded in rigorous market research, data analysis, and consumer understanding. HERO develops comprehensive, results-driven strategies that align with client objectives and translate into effective, impactful campaigns. HERO’s ability to connect strategy with execution is one of the reasons HERO continues to lead in both creativity and effectiveness.
Marketing innovation and agility were also evaluated. HERO has consistently demonstrated a willingness to embrace new technologies, respond to shifting market trends, and pivot strategies when needed. Whether navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic or exploring new platforms and formats, HERO has remained flexible, forward-thinking, and focused on delivering value.
Client satisfaction was another cornerstone of the selection process. Feedback from current and former clients, public testimonials, and case studies all contributed to HERO’s ranking. HERO’s strong track record of long-standing client relationships and consistent word-of-mouth endorsements speaks to the trust HERO has earned and the results we’ve delivered.
Market presence and business growth were also considered. While size alone isn’t a measure of capability, HERO’s growth trajectory and expanding client base reflect HERO’s ability to scale, adapt, and deliver complex, multi-channel campaigns. HERO’s continued success in winning new business and retaining key accounts is a testament to the confidence clients have in HERO’s team.
Specialist expertise and service scope were part of the evaluation as well. HERO’s deep knowledge in areas such as performance marketing, influencer collaborations, and sector-specific strategies (including automotive, beauty, and technology) allows HERO to offer tailored solutions that drive meaningful outcomes. HERO’s ability to combine creative thinking with specialised insight sets the business apart in a competitive landscape.
Finally, team expertise, leadership, and diversity were essential to the ranking. HERO is led by seasoned professionals with a proven track record including agency founder and industry veteran, Creative Chairman Ben Lilley. And HERO actively invests in the development of emerging talent. HERO’s commitment to diversity across HERO’s leadership and broader team fosters inclusive thinking and ensures HERO’s work resonates with a wide range of audiences. HERO believes that diverse perspectives lead to richer ideas, stronger strategies, and more impactful campaigns.
Here at Number 1 on the Top 10 Creative Agency Hot List as judged by Campaign Brief is:
HERO - Campaign Brief Australia Agency of the Year for the second consecutive year
For the second year in a row, HERO has been ranked #1 Agency of the Year in the Campaign Brief Hot List among Australia’s very best medium agencies. With CB receiving over 300 agency submissions, it’s a testament to HERO’s world-class creativity, strategic thinking, award-winning campaigns and integrated marketing solutions that drive measurable business growth.
Year on year HERO continues to rank at the top of Australia's most awarded advertising agencies for both creative and effectiveness. This includes being named Effies APAC and Australian #1 Independent, as well as Agency of the Year at the New York Festivals, Campaign Brief, Mumbrella, AdNews and B&T. And recognised at the world's top global award shows, including the Cannes Lions, One Show, Clios, London International Awards, D&AD, Adfest and Spikes Asia.
Even HERO’s office is award winning. The HERO HQ is the only media and marketing business in Australia listed in the prestigious Australian Interior Design Awards, the Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) and the global INDE. Awards.
Over the past year alone, HERO has again solidified its reputation as one of Australia’s most creatively awarded independent agencies, earning accolades across a spectrum of prestigious platforms. The agency was named Australian Agency of the Year at the New York Festivals, secured a Silver Cannes Lion, Golds at AWARD and a Grand Prix at Mad Stars for Maybelline’s “Through Their Eyes” campaign, which also received top honours at Spikes Asia. HERO’s work for Toyota and Fujifilm also garnered extensive recognition, with the Fujifilm Instax Mindography campaign awarded metal at Spikes and recognised in the Mumbrella Award for Innovation. The agency’s creative excellence was further celebrated with AdNews’ Social Media Campaign of the Year and Game Changer of the Year awards.