Deutsch has named Ryan Lehr as executive creative director for its Los Angeles office. Lehr was tapped by Deutsch in 2012 to write and develop creative campaigns for key brands under the Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) umbrella. Since then, he has risen through the ranks and developed award-winning work for Dr Pepper, 7UP and Taco Bell. In his new role, he will continue to report to Brett Craig, chief creative officer at Deutsch LA.
“Ryan hasn’t just created ads, he’s invented multiple intellectual properties–that have lasted–on behalf of Dr Pepper,” said Craig. “From Lil’ Sweet to Fansville, he creates characters and conceits that America loves and more importantly, really work. I look forward to what he will do next as a leader at Deutsch.”
Lehr got his start in advertising working reception at TBWAChiatDay. He then landed his first copywriter position at Omelet and helped establish the agency’s LA office working on campaigns for major entertainment brands including Marvel, Activision, ABC, FOX and TNT. Returning to TBWAChiatDay in 2011, Lehr worked on Pepsi and Tostitos prior to joining Deutsch. Outside of advertising, he has written and sold pilots to FOX, Spike Network and Adult Swim.
Lehr said of Deutsch, “The agency has all the resources and benefits of a larger shop; but also, the ability to be quick and nimble. From account to strategy, through creative and production, we have the most talented people in the industry. And our KDP clients are also some of the best in the biz. I am extremely fortunate to be in this position and to have the opportunity to continue to make breakthrough and effective work with people I truly like.”
Lehr can be credited for some of Dr Pepper’s most iconic work including Lil’ Sweet which has been one of the most successful campaigns in Diet Dr Pepper history. Lehr also spearheaded Dr Pepper’s latest campaign “Fansville,” a parody TV show drama that aired throughout the 2018 college football season. In 2016, Lehr helped lead Taco Bell’s Super Bowl campaign for the highly successful Quesalupa product launch.
The appointment of Lehr comes on the heels of Craig’s elevation to CCO for Deutsch’s Los Angeles office.
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