misterwolf appoints former Saatchi & Saatchi GM Susie Darling as Partner + General Manager

Following a record year in 2025 independent creative agency misterwolf has appointed Susie Darling as Partner and General Manager, marking the next phase of the agency’s continued growth, on the cusp of their second decade in business.

Darling brings deep agency leadership and brand experience, having spent the last 12 years at Saatchi & Saatchi, most recently as General Manager and 12 years at DDB before that. Her expertise will support the team’s continued focus on long-term client partnerships, multi-channel delivery and helping brands navigate a rapidly changing marketing landscape.

Says Derek Lockwood, Founder and CEO of misterwolf: “Last year was our most successful year since we launched 10 years ago. We are seeing increased work coming out of the US and local clients who more than ever are looking to hire local independent agencies to fuel their growth.

“I’ve known Susie for years and have admired what she has achieved working with clients like Volkswagen and McDonald’s during her time at DDB and more recently with Toyota and others over the past 12 years at Saatchi and Saatchi. I’m so excited that Susie has joined Blake and I on the next chapter in our journey.”

Says Darling: “I loved working with Derek when he was the Worldwide Director of Design at Saatchi & Saatchi. When he shared his vision for misterwolf, I knew this was the right move for me.

“The world of advertising and marketing is facing intense disruption right now and I am so excited to be joining a team that helps clients navigate change and prosper during these exciting and challenging times.”

Says Blake Enting, Creative Lead and Partner at misterwolf: “Susie will bring an added energy and dimension to our business. She has an unquestionable reputation for building long-term, enduring client relationships and a proven ability to manage multi-channel executions across mainstream, digital and design platforms. She brings not only the right skill set, but an energy, dedication and character that we believe strongly aligns with our own.”

Across her 20+ year career, Darling has led and worked across high-profile clients including Toyota, Lexus, Tourism Fiji, Bay Audiology, McDonald’s Australia & New Zealand, Volkswagen, Lion Breweries, Tourism Australia and Stihl. Her work has included some of New Zealand’s most impactful and recognisable advertising campaigns and enduring platforms, including the recently launched Toyota New Zealand “Let’s Go Places” brand campaign, the award-winning Paralympics 2024 campaign “We’ll Give You Something to Talk About” and the relaunch of Tourism Fiji to the world post-covid.

misterwolf is an independent, multi-disciplined creative services agency based in Auckland. Founded by Derek Lockwood in 2016, formerly Saatchi & Saatchi’s Worldwide Director of Design, the agency delivers transformation and growth for clients locally and internationally. With capabilities spanning brand strategy and identity, graphic design, organisational purpose and strategic planning, as well as C-suite and sales presentations. misterwolf works across digital, web and mainstream channels to deliver impactful creative solutions.

misterwolf partners with clients in New Zealand and internationally across a wide range of sectors including insurance, banking, fashion, telecommunications, sports technology and animal health, supporting both large and emerging organisations as they navigate change and build long-term growth.

Darling will commence her role in March 2026.

More at www.misterwolf.co.nz.

Pictured (L-R): Blake Enting, Susie Darling, Derek Lockwood

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