Independent agency The Escape Pod has promoted Leah Hattendorf to SVP, director of strategy. In her new role, Hattendorf will continue to lead The Escape Pod’s Research and Strategy group, in addition to spearheading new business efforts and building out additional revenue streams for the agency.
During her time at The Escape Pod, Hattendorf has guided brand and communications strategy for Mondelez, Toys“R”Us, KIND, EGO and Southeastern Grocers. She played an integral role in defining the Toys“R”Us brand promise that championed the importance of play. She was also responsible for positioning and launching EGO as a technology brand in the crowded lawn care category. Most recently she assisted Southeastern Grocers in positioning a new grocery store brand, Fresco y Mas, focused on meeting the needs of the Hispanic community.
Prior to joining The Escape Pod, Hattendorf worked at several agencies including JWT New York, FCB and DDB, on such clients as Kimberly Clark, Kraft, Cars.com and State Farm.
Launched in 2006, The Escape Pod is a Chicago-based creative shop headed by co-founders Norm Bilow, managing director, and Vinny Warren, executive creative director.
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