VaynerMedia Australia taps TikTok’s Denny Handlin as executive creative director

VaynerMedia Australia has appointed Denny Handlin as executive creative director, bringing in a creative leader with deep platform experience as the agency looks to sharpen its social-first approach.

Handlin joins from TikTok ANZ, where he spent nearly five years as head of global business marketing, shaping the platform’s creative direction and leading major brand collaborations. Before that he held senior roles at Clemenger Group and Meta, building high-performing creative teams and consumer-first strategies.

His move signals a continued shift in the industry, where agencies are leaning into platform expertise to stay ahead of evolving social and digital trends.

“Denny brings the best of both worlds - a rare blend of big-agency creative expertise and deep platform experience,” Karen Coleman, VaynerMedia Australia country manager, said.

“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.”

VaynerMedia, which entered the Australian market four years ago, has secured work with brands including PepsiCo, Carlton United Breweries and SharkNinja. Handlin’s appointment comes as the agency looks to deepen its work with technology platforms.

Handlin said he was eager to push creative boundaries at VaynerMedia and help brands make social the centrepiece of their marketing strategies.

“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,” he said. “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 and Woei Hern Chan, VaynerMedia's head of creative for the Asia Pacific region.