Engine ‘invests in leadership’, appoints new general manager

Described as “not just a hire”, but a “statement of intent”, creative agency Engine has appointed a new general manager.

François Hafner takes on the role as the agency looks to “invest in leadership, creativity, and strategic firepower”.

He has 15 years of experience across Australia and the UK, including at VML and Chep Network.

Most recently, he was client service director at Khemistry, which re-entered the market as an independent last year following the liquidation of its former parent company, GrowthOps.

He has worked across industries including FMCG, luxury, energy, government, and NFP, with clients including Audi, AGL, Heinz, The Lott, Hugo Boss, and the Queensland Government.

He was the force behind Audi’s ‘Clowns’ campaign, which was globally awarded, including a Grand Prix win at the IPA Effectiveness Awards.

But what sets Hafner apart, according to a release announcing his appointment, is his ability to “cut through complexity with calm confidence, rally teams with infectious optimism, and consistently deliver sharp thinking and smarter ways of working”.

Managing director of Engine, Tim Weger, said: “When I first met Franc, I knew he was our kind. I walked away energised and realised immediately how big an impact he’d have on the business. He’s a big thinker with a global viewpoint. Super hungry, deeply invested in the creative product and knows his best years are ahead of him.

“An exciting proposition for an agency on a relentless pursuit to make tomorrow better than today. It was an easy decision to create space for him.”

His appointment follows a period of “accelerated growth” for the agency, including the recent hire of creative Joe Hawkins.

“I’ve admired Engine from afar for a few years, and the recent Bravehearts campaign really made me sit up and take notice. It’s the kind of powerful, purposeful work that we all want to be a part of. The kind of work you don’t see every day,” Hafner said in the release.

“When I met Tim, I felt the ambition he has for the future of his agency. That’s something you can’t help but want to be part of.

“Having spent a few days with the team, it’s clear the talent, smarts and camaraderie are here in spades. I’m excited to help build on that momentum and the amazing history of an agency with 25 years of independent, Brissy heritage.”

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