Engine appoints François Hafner as General Manager in bold strategic move
Following a period of sustained growth and a sharpened creative ambition, Engine is excited to announce the appointment of François-Xavier Hafner as General Manager.
With almost 15 years’ experience across Australia and the UK, Franc brings a unique blend of global thinking, strategic clarity, and the ability to turn great ideas into reality. His career spans some of the industry’s most celebrated campaigns – from helping Audi turn “Clowns” into a Grand Prix at the IPA Effectiveness Awards, to launching Dacia in the UK and giving brands like AGL, The Lott, and Heinz a distinctive edge in complex, competitive markets.
Equally at home in FMCG, luxury, energy, government, or social impact, Franc’s approach blends cultural intelligence with bold, human storytelling; always aimed at making audiences stop, feel, and act.
Managing Director, Tim Weger says, “When I first met Franc, I knew he was our kind. I walked away energised and realised immediately how big an impact he’d have on the business. He’s a big thinker with a global viewpoint. Super hungry, deeply invested in the creative product and knows his best years are ahead of him. An exciting proposition for an agency on a relentless pursuit to make tomorrow better than today. It was an easy decision to create space for him.”
Franc’s leadership style is grounded in trust, collaboration and ambition. He’s known for building high-performing teams, simplifying the complex, and unlocking smarter ways of working – without losing sight of craft or creativity.
Beyond the résumé, Franc brings an infectious optimism and calm confidence that makes big ideas feel possible, and big challenges feel solvable.
Franc says, “I’ve admired Engine from afar for a few years, and the recent Bravehearts campaign really made me sit up and take notice. It’s the kind of powerful, purposeful work that we all want to be a part of. The kind of work you don’t see every day.
When I met Tim, I felt the ambition he has for the future of his agency. That’s something you can’t help but want to be part of. Having spent a few days with the team, it’s clear the talent, smarts and camaraderie are here in spades. I’m excited to help build on that momentum and the amazing history of an agency with 25 years of independent, Brissy heritage.”
Franc joins Engine at an exciting inflection point, as the agency continues to grow its national presence and evolve its creative offering, evidenced by our recent hire of globally awarded creative, Joe Hawkins.
Welcome aboard, Franc. We’re thrilled to have you with us.