In exciting news, Daylight appoints Nicole Sykes as Executive Creative Director

Written by Daylight - September 16th 2026

Nicole joins Daylight’s leadership team as Executive Creative Director this month, bolstering the female headcount at the ECD table across ANZ. With over 25 years of experience across agencies in Aotearoa, Australia, the UK and Ireland, Nicole's awards shelf includes golds across Cannes, D&AD, The One Show, The Webbys, Axis, The Effies and Spikes Asia - with a few Grand Prix thrown in for good measure.

Stepping in to lead the output from the indie creative and technology company, Nicole’s role is wider than brand and communications alone. It spans strategy, creative and technology, reflecting Daylight's unique spot in the market. Nicole will hold the standard for everything that leaves the building, from brand platforms to the products people interact with.

She’s Daylight's second senior appointment this year, following Strategy Director Mel Eckersley, who joined from Wieden+Kennedy London. Nicole will be joining the majority female (we can’t forget Phil) leadership team of CEO Lee Lowndes, managing partner Lizzie Robson, general manager Kristen Morris and technology lead Phil Bingley, deepening the studio’s experience as it grows work across Aotearoa and Australia.

“Stepping into this role means a lot, especially knowing what Lee and the team have built together these past few years. The brands they work with are considered and deeply human, and being able to shape work that matters is a privilege I don't take lightly. Add to that a team who are clever, thoughtful and incredibly talented, and honestly, I couldn't be more excited to make it official." - Nicole Sykes, Executive Creative Director.

“Nicole is joining the business at a really exciting point. We've been building this thing in flight for five years now, we have a wonderful lineup of trusted partners and a team who are deeply passionate about what we do. Nicole joining, with her extensive experience in building standout brands locally and internationally, adds to our unique spot in the market here, where we will continue to weave world-class strategy and brand thinking alongside content and digital experiences.” — Lee Lowndes, CEO.

Nicole has led creative for SKY, State Insurance, Kiwibank, Allbirds, NEON, ASB, Lion Breweries, MYER, Women’s Refuge, Coca-Cola, among others. 

She steps in as Charlie Godinet, who has led Daylight's creative since 2021, departs. "Charlie shaped what this place looks and sounds like. We will miss him dearly, and we’ll be keeping an eye out to see what he cooks up next. Send it safely Charles." — Lee Lowndes.