The Hallway names new leadership as COO Simon Lee departs

The Hallway has announced a leadership shake-up, with Dan Saunders returning as executive creative director and Phoebe Keogh stepping in as head of media and connections.

The changes mark a new chapter for the independent agency as creative leader Simon Lee departs after 14 years.

Saunders, who previously spent two years at The Hallway creating award-winning campaigns for brands like Boody, Smooth FM and Anytime Fitness, returns after stints at TBWA, DDB, and Dentsu, where he worked on major global accounts including McDonald's and Amazon. He also picked up a Cannes Lion in 2024 for The Cardboard Cake.

Keogh joins after eight years at UM Australia, where she led strategy for Menulog, ING and Chery Motors. She is tasked with driving the continued growth of The Hallway’s connections department, bringing a sharp focus on marketing as a profit centre and deep expertise in audience and media strategy.

“I’m incredibly excited to have Phoebe join our team and to welcome Dan back,” said Jules Hall, founder and CEO of The Hallway.

“Dan has been the architect of some of our most famous and impactful work, and we share a vision for how creative drives brand growth. Phoebe is one of Australia’s best communication strategists, whip-smart and loved by her clients. The combination of Dan’s creative leadership and Phoebe’s ability to connect brands with audiences in meaningful ways is a rare and exciting mix.”

Lee has announced his departure to pursue a new opportunity after more than a decade helping shape The Hallway into one of Australia’s leading independent agencies.

“When I founded the agency way back in 2007, I had no partners, limited experience, but a hell of a lot of ambition,” Hall said.

“Simon joined me three years later. Together we’ve built a brand and business we are both incredibly proud of. Fast forward 14 years, and the time has come for us to forge new paths. I’d like to extend a sincere thanks to Simon for his contribution and wish him the very best in his next adventure.”

Lee called his time at the agency an “extraordinary journey” that shaped him both professionally and personally.

“I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together—the work we’ve created, the culture we’ve fostered, and the impact we’ve had on our clients’ brands and businesses,” Lee said.

“I’ve been blessed to work alongside some uniquely talented creative and strategic people, and as I embark on a new adventure, I wish Jules and The Hallway all the very best.”