HANNAH

MELANSON

Hey, I’m Hannah.

I’m a self-confessed word nerd and creative director based in Sydney.

Born and raised in the depths of the Canadian wilderness. Lived and learned in cities around the world. Settled in Australia’s ad land for the last 12 years and counting.

At the moment, I’m a Creative Director at M&C Saatchi.

I spend most of my days leading the creative transformation on behalf of the agency’s biggest clients, specialising in integrated campaigns and insight-led storytelling across all channels and formats.

When I’m not doing that, you’ll catch me moonlighting as an amateur chef, sommelier, food stylist, florist, screenwriter, poet and novelist.

Basically, I spend all my time making things for people.

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I’m currently…

Working on a handful of end-to-end campaigns.

Collaborating on screenwriting a three-part series of short films.

Daydreaming about my future wine bar and providore.

Writing (and rewriting) a collection of short stories that will never really be finished.

Indefinitely planning my next dinner party menu.

Playing with erasure poetry in the moments in between.

Where I’ve been...

Creative Director

M&C Saatchi
2025-Current

Creative Director

Innocean
2023-2024

Associate Creative Director

Digitas ANZ
2021-2023

Copy Director

Digitas ANZ
2020-2021

Senior Copywriter

Digitas ANZ
2018-2020

Copywriter

DigitasLBi
2015-2018

Content Manager

We Are Social
2014-2015

Editorial Writer

Notable Life
2013-2014

Co-Founder

Harland Wine Co.
2016-2019

Things I’ve learned...

Carleton University

B.A. Honours, English
Literature & Creative Writing

University of Leeds

B.A. Honours, English
Literature

Advertising Council Australia

AWARD
Creative Leadership

MHFA Australia

Mental Health First
Aid Certification

What people say...

Hannah is an inspiring example of a creative who’s grown her own career by focusing on growing her agency. She was a founding member of Digitas ANZ's award-winning creative team and was the longest-serving member of our tight knit squad.

Her craft, mentorship and leadership have been invaluable contributions to the growth of our creative team from three people in Sydney to 23 creatives across four offices in two countries.

Deep empathy, an unwavering commitment to her craft and an instinct for elevating the impact of those around her make Hannah a one-of-a-kind creative leader.

—Simon Brock

ECD & GM, Digitas ANZ

When Hannah first asked if I could write a short testimonial, my first reaction was a hard no. How could I be expected to put words together for one of the finest creative writers of our generation? What would she think of my poor grammar? You see, Hannah has such capacity for concept and craft, I’m just not sure my words would do justice to her creativity.

I’ve seen her break-through so many barriers and develop so quickly, from a junior writer to one of the most well-rounded, hard working, inspiring and integrated creatives I’ve ever known. When I find the words, I’ll write something to capture just how brilliant Hannah is. But hopefully, by then, you’ve already witnessed it yourself.

—ian gough

SVP Global Growth, WPP

I’ve had the privilege of working with Hannah only once so far, but it was truly one of the most collaborative and easy going projects I’ve experienced in my career. She was tirelessly creative, supportive and wholly respectful, giving Daniel Askill and I the latitude to take her team’s concept into new realms.

From start to finish, Hannah managed the team, the client and the project effortlessly, and fought for the best ideas and outcomes every single time.

10/10 the best agency creative I’ve had the good fortune to work with. (And stand on a freezing cold beach with. Twice.)