Chemistry Co-Founder Susan Young Joins HERO

Independent creative agency HERO has bolstered its national creative leadership, appointing internationally awarded creative leader Susan Young to partner with group creative director, Bec McCall.

Susan brings decades of global experience spanning South Africa, the UK, New Zealand and Australia, with senior creative roles at Draft FCB, RAPP UK, iris Worldwide and DDB New Zealand. Her work has earned recognition across the world for leading brands in finance, automotive and the not-for-profit sectors.

Most recently, Susan co-founded Chemistry in Auckland and, as executive creative director, helped grow it into one of New Zealand’s most respected independent agencies.

She now joins HERO, marking the next chapter in an already celebrated creative career.

“Advertising is not something you do alone,” Susan said.

“I already have a brilliant working relationship with Bec. She’s fun, energetic and shares my exact creative ambition. Most of all, Bec always delivers. She’s the type of creative partner who will never let you down.”

Susan said she was particularly energised by HERO’s client portfolio and creative momentum.

“The briefs that excite me most are the ones that change behaviour and reinvigorate brands,” she said.

“HERO has that mix in spades and a team that’s hungry to deliver.”

HERO National ECD, Shane Geffen, said, “I’m so looking forward to seeing what Bec and Susan can bring to HERO together, as two outstanding, globally awarded creative leaders. We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Sue to our national team.”

Group creative director, Bec McCall, added, “Susan is a creative force with a global perspective, and I couldn’t be more excited to have her alongside me in Brisbane. She brings the kind of experience and ambition that pushes you to raise your game, and together, we’re ready to deliver on our vision to Turn Brands Into HEROES.”

Susan's appointment comes during a period of strong momentum for HERO, following recent new business wins, including Commonwealth Super, NSW Rural Fire Service and Parcel Protect and a strong run on the 2025 global awards circuit. HERO started the year as Campaign Brief’s Medium Agency of the Year, for the second consecutive year.

HERO was also Australian Agency of the Year at the 2025 WINA (World Independent Advertising) Awards, where it made history as the first Australian agency to place in the global Top 10, ranking 6th overall and seeing HERO awarded a Grand Prix for Toyota C-HR Diamond Collection, which also scored a Bronze at Spikes Asia. HERO’s instax ‘Mindography’ campaign for Fujifilm was recognised with a Silver at the 2025 Spikes Asia awards, Bronze at Adfest and shortlisted at D&AD, One Show and Cannes Lions, among other accolades.