DDB New York, part of Omnicom (NYSE: OMC), has made three key hires, bringing Lance Parrish aboard as executive creative director, and Katie Jensen and Ani Munoz as group creative directors. All three will report to Lisa Topol and Derek Barnes, co-chief creative officers of DDB NY, and will lead creative across DDB’s portfolio of clients. As the first batch of new hires for Topol and Barnes since the pair joined the agency in March, the move signifies a new era of creative leadership for DDB NY.
Parrish joins DDB as executive creative director after seven years at Grey, where he was previously group creative director. While at Grey, Parrish helped pitch and win Gillette’s global business, in addition to Bose, Advil, and Applebee’s. His work has appeared in the Super Bowl five times and been awarded by the industry’s top shows including Cannes, D&AD, One Show, Clios, Art Directors Club, London International and Effies.
Jensen and Munoz also join DDB from Grey NY where they worked for three years together across brands such as Best Buy, Downy, Pringles and Marriott. With over 10 years in advertising, Jensen and Munoz previously worked at a number of agencies, including Saatchi & Saatchi, ChiatDay NY, Y&R and Ogilvy & Mather. Their work has been recognized at top industry shows like Cannes, One Show and the Effie Awards, and their Best Buy fare was the best-performing campaign in the brand’s history.
DDB NY co-CCOs Topol and Barnes now reunite with Parrish, Jensen and Munoz. Prior to joining DDB, Topol and Barnes were with Grey for a four-year stretch.
“Having worked with Lance, Katie, and Ani in the past, we’re incredibly excited for the creative energy they’re bringing to DDB,” said Topol. Barnes added, “All three of these outstanding creatives have the kind of fresh ideas we know will usher in a new age for this department and which will take the agency’s reputation to new heights.”
Parrish related, “I’m excited to be on Lisa and Derek’s team again. We’ve done some great work together, and we had a good time doing it. I’m looking forward to partnering with them to build the department’s vision and to deliver a new level of creative excellence in our work for our clients.”
Parrish, Jensen, and Munoz’s arrivals build on DDB/NY’s growing momentum, following the appointment of leaders like Susie Lyons to head of strategy and recent new business wins for brands like Juvéderm and Botox.
The Many Hires Jeremiah Wassom As Group Creative Director
Independent agency The Many has added Jeremiah Wassom as group creative director.
Wassom most recently worked a decade at Deutsch LA where, as SVP/creative director, he led the Taco Bell account and won new business for the agency. His agency past also includes AKQA and TBWAChiatDay. His creative work has touched the QSR, video games, automotive, fashion, and culture brand sectors. He also served eight years with the United States Marine Corps.
“Throughout his career, Jeremiah has helmed work that has not only made me personally jealous but has consistently pushed brands to show up in memorable and innovative ways,” said Josh Paialii, head of creative at The Many. “One look at his body of work and you will see his passion for storytelling and craft has raised the bar for entire categories, driving participation with many brands’ most loyal fans. Beyond being a world-class creative director and maker, Wassom is a proven team player and strategic thought leader. He’ll be a great addition to the leadership team at The Many working across all accounts. His role will be immediately felt as he guides and supports each of the creative leads in the department.”
A 20-year creative with agency, brand, and freelance experience, Wassom has forged a creative approach which focuses on crafting engaging connections rather than simply make ads. He sees the need for advertising to mean more, not simply do more.
The Many believes that true business growth is made possible by harnessing the power of participation and partners with brands to forge deeper connections with consumers, cultivate trust and loyalty, and maximize marketing spend and execution. The agency is built around a flexible model that offers a suite of capabilities, including... Read More