DraftFCB creative director Matt Simpkins, will leave the agency in February after six years.

Mr Simpkins, who worked primarily on National bank and BMW, said it had been a successful period and it was pleasing to see the agency grow in this time.

“But as a creative you need to keep challenging yourself and this is what this next step is all about. As a freelancer, I’m looking forward to working with new people and seeing how other agencies do things.”

DraftFCB executive creative director James Mok said Mr Simpkins was the “go-to guy” for difficult briefs.M

Mr Simpkins was co-founder of agency Generator in 1995 and has won an Axis Grand Prix.  His freelance career starts on February 5 and Mr Simpkins said he had had a few enquiries about availability so far.

DraftFCB said it was not at a stage to provide comment about staffing with regards to a possible replacement for Mr Simpkins.