Publicis Groupe’s creative collective Le Truc has named Julia Neumann as partner, chief creative officer, reporting to Carla Serrano, global chief strategy officer of Publicis Groupe and president of Le Truc. Based in Publicis’ New York headquarters, Neumann rounds out the creative leadership team, joining three partners–Bastien Baumann, founding partner, chief design officer; Andy Bird, founding partner, chief creative officer; and Marcos Kotlhar, partner, chief creative officer–in building and honing the future creative partnership model under Serrano’s leadership.
“Julia’s track record of creative brilliance and commitment to pushing boundaries perfectly complements our leadership collective,” said Serrano. “We’re delighted to have her join our team and are excited to embark on a collaborative effort that enhances Le Truc’s transformative role in fueling creative solutions for Publicis’ clients.”
Over the past year, Le Truc has played an integral role in Publicis’ continued new business success, and new, innovative work in collaboration with Groupe’s agencies working on Four Seasons, LVMH, Samsung, Visa, Pfizer, and Campbell’s, to name a few. Le Truc was also instrumental in the creative development of the industry-leading Working with Cancer initiative, awarded the 2023 Cannes Lions Health Grand Prix for Good.
Neumann, an Austrian native, most recently served as a chief creative officer at Johannes Leonardo, where she was responsible for leading transformative ideas that spark cultural conversations for clients including Kraft Heinz, Instagram, Uber and Volkswagen. Previously, she was executive creative director at TBWA/Chiat Day, and across her career she has led award-winning campaigns such as “Billie Jean King Your Shoes” for Adidas, JetBlue’s “FlyBabies,” and MTN Dew’s “Major Melon.” She began her career in advertising as a copywriter at Saatchi & Saatchi and has held roles at Wieden + Kennedy, BBH and Mullen.
“The Le Truc model, which champions creativity, collaboration, and experimentation across Publicis Groupe, is so distinct and exactly what the industry needs to help brands navigate ongoing disruption,” said Neumann. “Every stage in my career helped prepare me for this role. I am both thrilled and humbled to join such a forward-thinking and imaginative group of creative and strategic leaders.”
Le Truc is housed in a dynamic, collaborative creative workspace developed in partnership with architecture firm A+I, and dubbed a “physical manifestation of the future of work.” The 30,000 square foot space sits at the heart of Publicis Groupe’s flagship building in New York.
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