In a major shake-up for one of the world’s most celebrated advertising agencies, adam&eveDDB, both its Chief Creative Officer (CCO) Richard “Rick” Brim and Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) Martin Beverley have announced that they will be leaving the agency to pursue new entrepreneurial ventures. The duo, who have played pivotal roles in the agency’s success, will be embarking on their new business journey in February 2025.
Richard Brim has been with adam&eveDDB for over 11 years, serving as CCO and helping transform the agency into one of the most highly awarded and respected creative agencies globally. Before joining adam&eveDDB, Brim had a distinguished career at CHI & Partners, where he served as creative director and partner for 13 years. He also worked as creative director at Leo Burnett and began his career at Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe.
Martin Beverley, who has led the strategy department at adam&eveDDB for the past 9 years, has been instrumental in shaping the agency’s strategic direction and success. Together, Brim and Beverley have contributed to the agency’s rise to the top of the advertising industry, establishing it as a creative powerhouse.
The news of their departure marks a significant moment for the agency, as it continues to be seen as a training ground for agency founders. Several of the original adam&eve founders, including James Murphy, David Golding, and Jon Forsyth, have gone on to launch their own agencies after leaving adam&eveDDB. For instance, James Murphy and David Golding founded New Commercial Arts (recently acquired by WPP’s Ogilvy), while Jon Forsyth established Neverland. Former adam&eveDDB CEO Matt Goff also launched a new venture, Ark, earlier this year.
In a statement, Richard Brim expressed the mixed emotions surrounding their decision: “As we write this, we are still questioning why we would leave such a wonderful place packed with such talented people. Whilst we are very proud of what we have achieved here, it’s now time for something different.”
Miranda Hipwell, the current CEO of adam&eveDDB, shared her thoughts on the news, saying, “While we’re obviously extremely sad to be losing Rick and Martin, we’re so proud of everything we’ve achieved together and very excited to see them head off to become entrepreneurs. Start-ups are a crucial contributor to the lifeblood of our industry – as the tremendous success of adam&eveDDB and its previous incarnations has proven over the years – and it’s wonderful to see the agency spawning a new generation of entrepreneurs.”
She also emphasized that the agency is looking forward to the next chapter, stating, “Meanwhile, we’re looking forward to the next chapter of adam&eveDDB as we expand and build on the success we’ve had in 2024.”
As for their replacements, adam&eveDDB has not yet announced who will step into the roles of CCO and CSO. However, it is understood that in the interim, creatives at the agency will report directly to Chaka Sobhani, DDB Worldwide’s President and Global CCO.
adam&eveDDB, which was formed when the London-based agency adam&eve merged with DDB Worldwide in 2014, has been one of the most prominent creative forces in the advertising industry. In 2022, the agency expanded into Germany, and in 2023, adam&eveNYC and DDB New York merged under the adam&eveDDB banner in New York.
The departure of Brim and Beverley marks the end of an era for adam&eveDDB, but also signals a new beginning for both of them as they prepare to build their own entrepreneurial legacies. As they step away from one of the most iconic agencies in the industry, the ad world will be watching closely to see how their new ventures unfold.
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