Holdens names Dave Bird creative director 33 years after his first placement

Manchester creative and strategic marketing agency Holdens has appointed Dave Bird as creative director, 33 years after he first worked there.

Bird’s connection with the agency goes back to a work placement with its late founder, Peter Holden, in 1993. He later joined as senior designer in 2012.

During that spell he led the creative team in close partnership with Holden, before leaving to gain wider experience at other Manchester agencies and eventually set up his own independent design practice.

In the years that followed he worked on brand and digital projects across many sectors. He was also part of the global team at Shillington Education, helping to train new designers around the world.

Ten years on he returns as creative director, responsible for the agency’s creative vision and all of its output. Established clients include Heritage Great Britain and Avant Homes, while newer clients include the National Coach Network, Bowers & Wilkins and McLaren.

Ted Holden, co-founder and managing director of Holdens, said: “Dave has always embodied the curiosity, craft and creative ambition that define Holdens. His return feels both natural and timely as we continue to evolve the agency and partner with start-up and scale-up brands to help them grow.”

Bird said: “Holdens has always stood for big ideas that move brands forward. Returning as creative director feels like coming home, but with new energy, perspective and momentum. I’m looking forward to helping shape what comes next as we embark on a really exciting time for the agency.”

The agency said the hire strengthens its senior creative leadership.

Holdens was founded by brothers Ted and Olly Holden with their late father Peter. Its work covers branding and digital as well as multi-channel marketing and advertising campaigns, and its sister studio produces immersive and experiential activations for major global brands.