Laughlin Constable (LC) has hired John “Max” Maxham as its chief creative officer. Maxham joins LC from DDB Chicago, where he spent the past six years as CCO. Prior to joining DDB, he was ECD for Seattle-based agency Cole & Weber.
Maxham joins LC at a time when brands are increasingly looking at independent agencies for partnership. “In today’s hyper competitive marketing world, you need the best talent to succeed. It says a lot about the agency we’ve built that someone of John’s caliber has decided to join our team,” said Mat Lignel, CEO and president of Laughlin Constable. “He has a unique talent and I know he will make a difference both for LC and for our client partners.”
Maxham secured multiple AOR client relationships for DDB Chicago since joining in 2014, including Jeep, US Army, Kohler, Symantec, Jiffy Lube, and Miller Lite.
Over the course of his career, Maxham’s work has been recognized at top international award shows including Cannes Lions, One Show, Clio Awards and Effies. Maxham has led the creative teams behind some of the most talked-about campaigns in recent years, including Skittles’ “Broadway the Rainbow,” “Jurassic Jeep,” Capital One NCAA, McDonald’s “Lovin’ The Super Bowl” and State Farm’s “She Shed.” He has experience in a broad range of industries including consumer products, auto, retail and technology.
“Laughlin Constable is part of a rising group of Midwest independents that are making serious waves in the industry. I was drawn to them because of their people, pedigree and a distinct culture, which I loved,” said Maxham. “I wanted to shift to a place where I could not only shape the creative work, but help guide the destiny of an agency. That’s the kind of freedom that holding companies don’t often permit, and that is what’s so compelling about this opportunity with LC.”
Maxham will continue to be based in Chicago while spending time between both Laughlin’s Chicago and Milwaukee offices.
“We’re in the business of not only doing great work, but also building a great agency. John will be a great mentor for the creative team and beyond,” Lignel said.
Oscar and Emmy-Winning Composer Kris Bowers Joins Barking Owl For Advertising, Branded Content
Music, audio post and sonic branding house Barking Owl has taken on exclusive representation of Oscar and Emmy-winning composer Kris Bowers for advertising and branded content.
Bowers’ recent film scores include The Wild Robot and Bob Marley: One Love, alongside acclaimed past works such as The Color Purple (2023), King Richard and Green Book. His contributions to television are equally impressive, with scores for hit series like Bridgerton, When They See Us, Dear White People, and his Daytime Emmy Award-winning score for The Snowy Day.
In addition to his work as a composer, Bowers is a visionary director. He recently took home the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject for his directorial work on The Last Repair Shop. The emotionally touching short film spotlights four of the people responsible for repairing the musical instruments used by students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The Last Repair Shop reflects the positive influence that musical instruments have on the youngsters who play them, and the adults in the LAUSD free repair service who keep them working and in tune.
Barking Owl CEO Kirkland Alexander Lynch said of Bowers, “His artistry, diversity of style and depth of storytelling bring an unparalleled edge to the work we create for global brands. His presence on our roster reflects our continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound and music in advertising.”
Johanna Cranitch, creative director, Barking Owl, added, “Kris first caught my attention when he released his record ‘Heroes + Misfits’ where he fused together his jazz sensibility with a deeply ingrained aptitude for melody, so beautifully.... Read More