TBWAWorldwide, part of Omnicom Group (NYSE:OMC), has acquired Dark Horses, the U.K. sports creative agency led by CEO Melissa Robertson, executive creative director Steve Howell and chief strategy officer Matt Readman. The deal adds to TBWA's expertise across the total brand experience.
Dark Horses’ work in the field of sports marketing includes supporting major sponsorship deals for global brand Nissan, helping TikTok reach new audiences through their relationship with UEFA EURO 2020, creating Shelter’s #NoHomeKit which encourages football clubs to give up their home kit in aid of all those without a place to call home, and launching Peloton in the U.K. market.
Dark Horses has a strong presence in the industry, not only connecting sports, fitness, health and wellness brands to culture but also often leading conversations on issues affecting sport and communications. In 2022, the team created “The Seven Deadly Sins of Marketing Women’s Sport”–a practical guide on how to properly promote women’s sport as it strives for parity on and off the field.
CEO Robertson believes now is the right time to join the TBWA family. “This is an exciting deal that supports our boutique culture as independent, curious creatives, at the same time as providing the scale that can turn us into a truly global business. We work with some of the most influential sports organizations in the world, so it’s thrilling to imagine what we can do with the reach of TBWA’s 11,000 strong collective.”
From brand creation and brand platforms, through to on-the-ground activation, strategy and social content, as well as PR, sponsorship and influencer marketing, Dark Horses works far beyond the confines of traditional sports marketing, making it the perfect fit for TBWA. Troy Ruhanen, TBWA global CEO said, “We’ve been watching Dark Horses for some time. As a collection of best-in-class agencies at the top of their game, we’re always looking for those deep specialists that complement us and add significant expertise to the total brand experience of our clients. I’m excited to see what growth they can unlock across the board.”
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