Seven new 999 Design recruits in front of 999 signage

Seven is the magic number - introducing our new recruits in London and Glasgow

24 Nov 2016

2 min read

It's an exciting time for 999 as we welcome a smorgasbord of new talent to help us develop our ever-growing range of creative services. From fresh design, brand and digital expertise to experienced senior people in account management, we're entering a dynamic new era of growth in our 34 year history.

With several new recruits still in the pipeline, we decided it was high time we showed off our first batch of new faces to the world:

Stewart Drummond, Account Director

  • What did you do before joining 999?

I’ve worked in design and branding for 15 years, working my way up from making sales calls 'from a cupboard' to becoming Account Director at 999. My experience centres around brand development and account management across a broad range of sectors and audiences at some of Scotland's best design studios. Personal highlights include working on the high profile Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and People Make Glasgow accounts.

  • Why is it a good time to join 999?

It's genuinely exciting to be part of a growing team with bags of ambition and years of experience to back it up.

Sonia Chury, Junior Account Director

  • What did you do before joining 999?

Lived in Manchester. Travelled. Moved to London. Studied Design & Art Direction. Discovered Client Services. Career highlights include delivering Microsoft’s largest launch yet of Windows 10 for the UK, establishing a new, billion-dollar DuPont sub-brand and helping Telefonica O2 host a series of first-time virtual conferences to elevate their offering of being more than just a telecoms provider. Other clients include P&G, Samsung, Molton Brown, KMI Brands and Cineworld Cinemas.

  • What attracted you to 999?

999 called…and I answered. Small but perfectly formed, independent, integrated with a heritage in branding and filled with decent people - 999 Design is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I’m excited to be part of a new team, helping to drive the London arm and grow clients in an age where branding and digital experiences merge. Partnering with Equator for a bolstered integrated offering is super exciting as we move into delivering even more joined up brand experiences. Let’s keep the DBAs coming!

John Rendell, Design Director

  • What did you do before joining 999?

This is my 16th year of making a living out of colouring in while working full time and freelance across a variety of small and large studios. Highlights would include the unusually adventurous move to Prague for two years overseeing creative continuity in line with the ethos of TheFARM's London-based sister studio, and a more recent role leading a team at Brand Union, creating and delivering visual identity principles for a global healthcare company.

  • What do you love about 999?

In no particular order… Friends / Colleagues / Creativity / A Dog / Opinions / Challenges / Chance to Grow / Freedom / Hard Work / Trust / Satisfaction / Ideas / Team / Passion / Support / Proud / Ambition / Cheeky.

Ally McGurn, Digital Project Manager

  • What did you do before joining 999?

Before heading to the bright lights of 999, I plied my trade with couple of different digital agencies where I learned as much as possible about the industry, eventually becoming an accomplished Digital Project Manager specialising in large website builds. I've been lucky enough to work with numerous prestigious clients such as Criteo, Hasbro, Clyde Space, Isle of Arran Distillers, McAfee, Sage Pay, Dell and many more. Now I’ve arrived at 999 I’m prepared to jump into whatever the future may hold!

  • Why is it an exciting time to join 999?

The partnership with Equator as well as the sheer variety of working opportunities make it the perfect time to board the good ship 999.

David Tolmie, Designer

  • What did you do before joining 999?

I worked in one of Scotland's biggest ad agencies, creating brand campaigns for the likes of Royal Bank of Scotland, Network Rail, Celtic FC, Linn, National Museum of Scotland and National Library of Scotland… even managing to snag a few awards in the process.

  • What do you enjoy about working for 999?

There’s a huge variety of really great projects coming through the studio at the moment with even more in the pipeline. I’ve only been here few months and have already worked on a drinks brand, an energy brand and a music festival. Every day is different.

Ross McCully, Digital Designer

  • What did you do before joining 999?

Having started out studying illustration at the Glasgow School of Art and subsequently web design, sound design and video production at Edinburgh Napier, I've always been a jack of many design trades! After graduating, I worked in motion graphics producing content for clients such as Ageas Insurance, Essex University and Glamorgan Cricket Club. I then rose up the ranks to become Head of Design in an IT training company, overseeing design and marketing across digital and offline channels.

  • What do you enjoy most about 999?

Since I've been here, the digital studio has been constantly busy with a wide range of diverse projects coming through the door. Knowing that I'll always be working on something different and challenging makes coming to work every day genuinely enjoyable. Also (and this is sincere!) the team are all really great to get along with and there are no egos - everyone is always looking out for one another.

Louise Fyfe, Account Manager

  • What did you do before joining 999?

My last role was working as business development assistant at Accurst LLP where I helped with the rollout of the firm's new brand identity. As much as I enjoyed the work, I was desperate to try my hand agency-side and work with a wider variety of clients. On a more personal note, I'm really proud of the sponsorship deals I secured for my cousin, British triathlete, Marc Austin. I took it upon myself to take Marc's case to top brands, resulting in sponsorship contracts from the likes of Lazer, Asics and Compressport.

  • Why is it the perfect time to join 999?

It feels like a really exciting time to join 999 because the agency has a great reputation and years of experience but it's still growing. Also, the partnership with Equator is bringing a whole host of new opportunities.

Photograph (L-R): John Rendell, David Tolmie, Louise Fyfe, Sonia Chury, Ally McGurn, Ross McCully, Stewart Drummond

#recruitment #staffprofile #team999

Written by

Catherine Watson, Digital Marketer at 999 Design

Catherine Watson

Digital Marketer