VaynerMedia Australia Appoints TikTok’s Denny Handlin as Executive Creative Director

VaynerMedia Australia has appointed Denny Handlin, former Head of Global Business Marketing at TikTok ANZ, as its new Executive Creative Director. This strategic hire underscores the agency’s commitment to pioneering integrated, social-first marketing as it continues its rapid expansion across Australia and the wider region.

Handlin brings a wealth of experience from Clemenger Group, Meta, and TikTok, where he has spearheaded award-winning campaigns, led high-performing creative teams, and crafted consumer-centric strategies that deliver tangible business results. In his most recent role at TikTok ANZ, he played a pivotal part in shaping the platform’s creative vision and forging groundbreaking brand collaborations.

VaynerMedia Australia has experienced remarkable growth, evolving from a start-up to an industry contender within just four years. The agency works with a roster of high-profile brands, including PepsiCo, Carlton United Breweries, and its latest client, SharkNinja, across Australia and New Zealand.

“Denny brings the best of both worlds — a rare blend of big-agency creative expertise and deep platform experience. We’re in our next phase of growth, evolving beyond just great creative and media to a truly integrated, social-first approach that drives business results. Denny is not only an exceptional creative leader but also a builder of high-performance teams and culture — exactly what we need to shape what’s next,” said Karen Coleman, Country Manager, Australia

On taking up the new role, Handlin said, “I couldn’t be more excited for this new chapter at VaynerMedia, partnering with world-class clients to put social at the centre of everything we do. The team here is already known for its innovative, creative thinking, and I can’t wait to get started and push the boundaries of what’s possible in this space.I’ve called TikTok my home for nearly five years, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had there. I’ve worked with an immensely talented team and am proud of what we’ve built together. I truly wish them all the best.”

Handlin will report to Karen Coleman, Country Manager, Australia, and Woei Hern Chan, VaynerMedia’s Head of Creative for the Asia Pacific region.