Independent agency The Escape Pod has named several new executives to its leadership team. Derek Sherman has been appointed executive creative director, Tyler Moore is director of integrated strategy, and Holly Willis is VP account director.
Sherman, is a creative Director, writer and novelist who has led breakthrough integrated marketing campaigns for Apple, Corona, Google, Coca-Cola, Canadian Club, Miller Lite, Kellogg’s, Jim Beam, McDonald’s, Abbott Labs, Amnesty International and Sprite. His work has won multiple Gold and Silver Cannes Lions, D&AD pencils, Gold Effies, and the One Show.
Moore comes over from R/GA. He has worked on innovative campaigns for LIFEWTR, SVEDKA, Maytag, Sprint, Nike, and Corona Extra across digital, social and traditional. He has won multiple awards including an Epica creative award, multiple Webby Awards and a North American Effie.
Willis brings more than 10 years of experience on blue chip brands across CPG, spirits and beverage, entertainment, retail and electronics. Her expertise spans digital, shopper marketing and traditional brand-building campaigns. Most recently, she spent five years with FCB leading the Samsung Mobile & Services business, as well as agency marketing and new business efforts for the retail/activation division, FCB/RED. She has worked on brands including Coca-Cola, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Target, Netflix, Kraft Foods (now Kraft Heinz), Mondelez International, Jack Daniels, Tyson Foods, GE Appliances and 21st Century Fox.
The new executives join Ryan Dickey, who assumed the post of creative director at the agency last year. Dickey is an award-winning 15+ year creative veteran who has created cross-channel, integrated advertising for a diverse range of brands including Apple, Google, Volkswagen, Sony PlayStation, Orbit and Purina. He cut his teeth at agencies including Leo Burnett, Deutsch and Energy BBDO.
Celia Jones is CEO of The Escape Pod while Norm Bilow serves as founder and managing director of The Escape Pod Group.
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