Truant
In a world where billion-dollar brands are built on Instagram and standing still means fading into obscurity, doing things the old way won’t cut it. That’s why Truant exists.
Agency Info
Chris Jefford - CEO & co-founder
Chris is CEO and co-founder of Truant, one of the most unique, independent award-winning creative agencies in the UK.
He has worked at the intersection of media, creativity and technology for 20 years, working both client and agency-side before launching Truant in 2012, a new era agency specialising in getting clients cultural attention through advertising and music. Current clients include PizzaExpress, PepsiCo, Rockstar, and Royal Caribbean International.
Simon Labbett - ECD & co-founder
Simon is a trailblazer in digital advertising with a 20-year career across top agencies, crafting award-winning campaigns for major brands like Virgin Atlantic, Land Rover, and Apple. At RKCR, he spent 12 years creating standout work for household names. His 2007 crime campaign earned an IPA Grand Prix, and he’s been recognized by The Guardian and Campaign for his creative leadership.
In 2012, he founded Truant (formerly Hometown), winning clients like Diageo, Swatch, and Pepsi. Truant was named Campaign’s Best Place to Work in 2021. Simon’s work has earned accolades from Cannes, D&AD, One Show, and more, and he’s served as a judge for major industry awards.
David Gamble - ECD & co-founder
David is a digital advertising pioneer with a 20-year career spanning both major and boutique agencies. During his 12 years at RKCR, he created award-winning campaigns for top brands like Virgin Atlantic, Land Rover, M&S, and The Home Office.
In 2012, he founded Truant (formerly Hometown), which has since secured major clients including Apple, Diageo, and Pepsi. The agency was named Campaign’s Best Place to Work in 2021. David's work has earned recognition from all the leading industry awards, including Cannes, D&AD, and One Show.
Don Larotonda - Head of Strategy
Don heads up the strategy department at Truant, bringing over two decades of experience as a strategist at some of London’s most renowned agencies. His expertise spans brand and product development across a wide range of sectors, consistently delivering award-winning work. Don’s strategic strengths lie in brand positioning, campaign and communications planning, product innovation, and uncovering deep insights through research. His ability to distill complex challenges into clear, compelling strategies makes him an invaluable force in shaping impactful, enduring brands.
Lucy Austin - New Business Director
Ellie Thompson - Business Director
Creative and energetic Senior Account Director with a track record of delivering award-winning work for leading lifestyle, alcohol, charity, and entertainment brands. Ellie brings experience from both independent and network agencies, working with global and domestic clients. Her strength lies in fostering collaborative, growth-driven teams that produce bold, impactful work—while having fun doing it. A former head chef, she’s also deeply passionate about food. Clients include Xbox, Dettol, Glenlivet, Rockstar Energy, Pizza Express, and charities like Single Homeless Project and Material Focus.
About
The Agency for Attention Seekers.
Getting attention is harder than ever.
Brands are being discovered in unexpected ways. The game has changed.
Truant is a creative agency for brands and causes seeking an unfair share of attention through PR & Social, Advertising and Music.
Fully independent and a Campaign Magazine Top 50 agency, with a unique approach that puts music at the heart of much of its work.
Truant has worked with some of the world’s most iconic brands, including PizzaExpress, Pepsi MAX, Royal Caribbean, Virgin, Barclays, Miral, Qatar Airways, Rakuten, and ITV, and has twice won Campaign’s Best Places to Work award, as well as BIG, British Arrows, and D&AD awards.