Matt O’Rourke has joined 22squared as chief creative officer, reporting to CEO Richard Ward. O’Rourke is an 18-year advertising veteran who’s worked at creative agencies including McCann, Crispin Porter + Bogusky and Wieden+Kennedy. He comes directly from Grey New York where as executive creative director he oversaw creative on the Volvo brand across the agency’s global network.
22squared has dual headquarter offices in Atlanta and Tampa and is an 100% employee-owned independent ad agency. Based in Atlanta, O’Rourke succeeds John Stapleton who looked to dig into and follow his passion for design and innovation at 22squared. The agency created and launched a division in late 2017 branded as The Innovation & Design (I.D.) Group, enabling Stapleton to follow his dream.
Prior to Grey, O’Rourke led creative efforts for multiple brands including Taco Bell, Sprint, Levi’s, Sony, Powerade, Oreo and Nintendo. His most notable work includes the non-traditional “Muscle Music” and “Internetervention” and “Wolfdog” campaigns for Old Spice, the “Oreo Separator,” Burger King’s infamous “Whopper Lust” campaign, and Taco Bell’s “Everlasting Dollars.” Over his career, O’Rourke has been credited in multiple Super Bowl ads and has won over 25 Cannes Lions, along with Clio, Webby and One Show recognition.
“I’ve spent the last 18 years working for all kinds of agencies–from the largest publicly traded network in the world, to the most successful independent shop in the world–and everything in-between, and I’ve never seen anything like 22squared. They have a fierce independence, with the ability to keep control of the company in the hands of the people that work there every day. That combination is really attractive,” commented O’Rourke. “But what made it clear I had to make this move were the people I met during the interview process. The single most important thing I’ve learned in my career is this: you’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with, and 22squared is full of brilliant, strong, independent thinkers.”
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