303 MullenLowe’s Derry Simpson named a finalist at the WA Telstra Business Women’s Awards

Derry Simpson, Group Managing Director of 303 MullenLowe, is one of just 21 finalists representing Western Australia at the 2017 Telstra Business Women’s Awards, and one of six finalists in the Corporate and Private category, where she’s the only executive representing Perth’s creative industries.

Now in its 23rd year, the Telstra Business Women’s Awards program is Australia’s longest running women’s awards program.

“It’s very humbling to be singled out as a finalist in an awards program that recognises some of the best business leaders in Australia,” said Simpson. “It’s easy to get wrapped up in the day to day of running an agency and not stop to look at what you have achieved. Nor do you really expect anyone else to notice. Having been ‘the only girl on the team’ in my industry so often, having the opportunity to connect with so many extraordinary business women is really exciting.”

Announcing this year’s WA finalists, Joe Pollard, Ambassador of the Awards and Group Executive, Media, and Chief Marketing Officer, said: “The 2017 finalists have followed very different paths to business success but they have all shown determination, innovative thinking and exceptional leadership to deliver real business impact.”

Simpson is the architect behind some of Australia’s most famous brands. Working as a brand and insights strategist for companies such as Diageo and Foster’s Group, she returned to Perth in 2007 and joined 303 MullenLowe Group in 2009. Now as group managing director of 303 MullenLowe, she is responsible for the success of the work the agency delivers whilst also running and growing the business itself.

“I’m proud to be fostering an open, dynamic and inclusive agency where young, clever, passionate people are actively shaping what the agency can achieve,” she said.

National winners of the 2017 Telstra Business Women’s Awards will be announced on 21 November.