Avish Gordhan was born in South Africa. He grew up in Clare Estate – a suburb just outside Durban reserved for people of Indian origin during apartheid. Back in those days, it was unusual for Indians to become anything other than doctors, lawyers or teachers. However, with democracy in the 90s came opportunity – Avish took his chances with advertising. Today, he is a creative director at Cummins&Partners Sydney, having plied his trade over the last 14 years on three continents.

Avish has worked on some of the world’s most loved brands, including Fox Sports, Nando’s, Tourism New Zealand, David Jones, MINI and Virgin Money. His work has been recognised at Cannes, D&AD, One Show, AWARD and the Australian Effies. Most recently, his work on ‘Stop The Horror’ – a campaign to convince Victorian politicians to vote in favour of voluntary assisted dying – helped generate the momentum needed to pass a law in the state.

Beyond the world of advertising, Avish is an avid ceramicist, a golfer and, most recently, a runner (although his knees believe that this running thing will be a temporary love-affair).