Manchester-based creative and strategic marketing agency Holdens has announced the appointment of Dave Bird as creative director.
Bird’s relationship with Holdens spans more than three decades. From his first work placement with late founder Peter Holden in 1993 to joining the agency as senior designer in 2012, he has long been a trusted creative partner and a key part of the agency’s story.
During his previous tenure, Bird worked closely with Holden to lead the creative team before leaving to broaden his experience within the Manchester agency landscape, and eventually establishing his own independent design practice.
Over the following years, he delivered brand and digital projects across a wide range of sectors. Alongside his commercial work, Bird also joined the global Shillington Education team, helping to shape the skills and thinking of the next generation of designers worldwide.
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Now, 10 years on, Bird returns to Holdens as creative director, leading the agency’s creative vision and overseeing all creative output for its stable of established clients such as Heritage Great Britain and Avant Homes, as well as new clients like 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 added: “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.”
With Bird’s return, Holdens strengthens its senior creative leadership as the agency continues to deliver work that combines strategic clarity, craft and cultural relevance for ambitious brands across the UK and beyond.
Founded by brothers Ted and Olly Holden along with their late father Peter, Holdens specialises in branding, digital and multi-channel marketing and advertising campaigns, with its sister studio delivering immersive and experiential activations for some of the biggest brands in the world.
