Adam joins after almost 15 years working independently, where he worked on brand and editorial projects for clients such as Nike, Calvin Klein, Basic-Fit, adidas, UD Music and Offside Sports Photography, and with agencies in the UK and Europe. He will lead Smith’s creative output across brand strategy, design and digital, working with clients including VP Plc, Enevo and North Defence, alongside recent wins Booths, Age UK and Sentio Partners.
The appointment marks a handover for founder Oliver Smith, who has led creative direction for 12 years. It comes as the agency reports 55% revenue growth on the previous year.
Oliver Smith, founder of Smith, said: “Creativity isn’t decoration. It’s one of the few unfair advantages a business has left. Our clients want work that shifts sales, margins and recruitment, and that’s exactly what Adam has been hired to deliver.
At Smith, the work has to work.
“I’ve admired Adam’s work for years. As it happens, I featured his work in my university research.
Handing over creative direction frees me up to focus on our clients and the future of Smith. ” Adam has more than 20 years’ experience in design, with projects spanning editorial, retail, music and culture. Among Adam’s most notable projects is Art of the Terraces, the 2023 exhibition he co-created and co-curated, which ran for five months at the prestigious Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool.
Born and bred in Huddersfield, Adam is a proud Northerner. He studied graphic design at Batley School of Art and Design, then began his career at Design Junkie in 2004. Adam states: “I didn’t realise I was looking for a change, but after working with Smith on an intense freelance project, I quickly saw what a great opportunity this was. It’s an exciting agency with a great team, and I’m looking forward to developing both personally and professionally
here.”
