To help you Be (even more) Extraordinary.
Hello friends of Out of the Square, today we’re sharing a piece of news that’s both a milestone and a moment of celebration.
After 28+ years of building the agency into the creative force it is today, Marty Adnum has officially passed on the baton of ownership. Stepping forward to lead the next chapter is someone many of you already know well – Ben Ogden, our former Head of Client Services.
Ben brings a deep understanding of both the business behind the brand and the creative thinking that drives it forward. As a business owner himself, and after years spent shaping strategy, partnerships, and growth at Out of the Square, he knows what it takes to build work that matters — for clients, for brands, and for the long game.
His ambition is simple – keep challenging the status quo, protect the values that have shaped Out of the Square, and continue pushing the agency toward bold, meaningful work.
Same spirit. Same ambition. Just the start of a new chapter.
And if you know Marty… you’ll know he wouldn’t have it any other way.
And we think that’s a legacy worth celebrating.
Out of the Square has never been about doing things the ordinary way. Under Marty’s leadership, Out of the Square became known for bold thinking, big ideas, and work that proved regional creativity can punch well above its postcode.
More importantly, he built a team and culture that believes the client is the hero – and our job is to help them Be Extraordinary. The agency has grown, evolved, and helped countless brands step out of the safe zone and into something braver. That legacy will never disappear.
It’s embedded in the foundation from which we build.
TO GIVE YOU SOME MORE CONTEXT:
A chat with Ben & Marty:
“Well, after 40 years since starting in TV and Video including the 28 years leading Out of the Square, it felt like the right time to follow some personal creative goals and step back from ownership to encourage and support the next generation to guide the agency forward. The team, the culture, and the ambition are as strong as ever, and that’s exactly when transitions should happen.”
“For me, it comes down to three things. Firstly, the platform that OOTS has created for so many people to hone their skills and pursue life goals, whether that’s buying a home, supporting a family, or building a meaningful career.
Secondly, the incredible clients we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with to create shared success, and the relationships that grew from that, relationships that go far beyond simply being ‘a client’. For example, Perisher Ski Resort is still with us now as we enter our 26th year together.
And thirdly, because of those clients, we’ve been able to redirect profits into a wide range of passion projects that have helped Newcastle and the Hunter, whether at an industry level or within the community.
The cycle of these three things, to me, is why people should be in business. It’s also what has fuelled me through everything it takes to run a small business, constantly learning and growing along the way.”
“As much as possible, I hope. Our success over the past 28 years has come from embracing change. We’ve evolved from TV and video into design and print, and then into digital becoming a leading full service agency, constantly staying on top of trends and never being afraid of change or new challenges. That’s the fun part. The key is to always evolve and always stay relevant.
I know Ben shares this same vision, supported by an incredible team, so I say bring on whatever comes next. I’m excited to still be part of the journey. Every great business grows, and this next chapter brings fresh energy, new opportunities, and a sharp focus on helping brands stand apart in an increasingly crowded world.
So expect bigger ideas, bolder creativity, and even more ways for us to partner with our clients.”
“More boldness. More creativity. More brands choosing to Be Extraordinary as they’ve always done. We’re operating in exciting times – the way a business like ours worked 10 years ago is different to how it needs to work now. We’re taking on the challenge, encouraging more brands to be bold and want to ensure our team is ahead of the curve.”
“A lot, actually. Our talented team and the same creative appetite that kicks goals for brands. It’s same belief that great work comes from brave clients and bold ideas. The mission hasn’t changed, we will always help ambitious brands step Out of the Square.”
“I want our work to be recognised alongside the industries heavy hitters, spreading more of what we do far and wide. We’ll keep doing what we’ve always done best — helping brands Be Extraordinary and if that means getting ourselves out there, I’m here for it. With renewed momentum, shaking off some old habits, fresh perspective, and the same belief that great strategic creativity can change how people see a brand.”
To our clients, partners, and friends
Thank you for being part of the journey so far. And to Marty, for building something worth carrying forward.
The story continues. We’re only just getting started.
Out of the Square
Be Bold. Be Extraordinary.
