• Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024
Brunner promotes Patrick Culhane to VP of brand strategy
Patrick Culhane
PITTSBURGH & ATLANTA -- 

Brunner, an independent integrated marketing agency, has promoted Patrick Culhane to VP of brand strategy. 

“Patrick’s enthusiasm for strategic and creative endeavors, coupled with his natural curiosity and energy, has positioned him as an indispensable asset to our agency,” said Ken Johns, partner and director of client experience at Brunner. “In his new capacity, Patrick will lead and execute brand strategy development to help clients compete and grow in their highly competitive industries.”

With more than 25 years of industry experience, Culhane spearheads tailored brand strategies designed to resonate deeply with target demographics and drive business objectives. His strategic insights have consistently driven successful brand repositioning efforts and invigorated brand identities, resulting in increased market share and brand equity. During his time with Brunner, he has enhanced his brand strategy skill set by applying it to clients including Church’s Texas Chicken, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Goodwill of North Georgia, and Cold-EEZE.

“Brand strategy is the rigor you apply to a plan that ensures your best brand strength aligns with your target audience’s passion points--and is communicated in a way that separates you from your competitors,” said Culhane. “Having a solid brand strategy is increasingly vital because marketers’ budgets must accomplish more every year. Few brands can afford to win while sounding the same or only talking about what they want to communicate vs. what consumers truly care about.”

Patrick joined Brunner from Chosen Communications where he served as principal and client services director. He was responsible for ensuring the entire agency team delivered best-in-class experience when it came to brand management, client development, account planning, trend and competitor analysis, and marketing planning. Former clients include Diageo, Pepsi, VW Commercial Vehicles, and Castrol.

  • Friday, Feb. 9, 2024
VML promotes Jeff Geheb to global executive lead for Enterprise Solutions
Jeff Geheb
NEW YORK -- 

VML is promoting Jeff Geheb to global executive lead for VML Enterprise Solutions. This position will be in addition to his current role as global chief experience officer. As global executive lead, Enterprise Solutions, Geheb will be responsible for the growth and leadership of VML’s full Enterprise Solutions offering, which includes global consulting, data, technology, innovation services, companies and products. Enterprise Solutions is a newly constructed offering for VML created by Geheb and Neil Stewart, who takes on a new leadership role within WPP as CEO, WPP Open.    

Jon Cook, global CEO at VML, said, “I’m thrilled that our organization has a talent like Jeff leading these critical offerings for the new VML. It’s a major undertaking and Jeff is the perfect person to bring continuity and integration to all that we have to offer to our client partners. The depth of VML Enterprise Solutions is a great differentiator for VML, especially after all Jeff and Neil brought together from legacy VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson as a new offering. When you combine Jeff’s leadership across Enterprise Solutions and our Customer Experience practice, it deepens the connectivity of VML even further.” 

Geheb and Stewart built a strong partnership since the Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R merger announced late last year. They will continue to work closely together as they transition into their new roles and build VML’s Enterprise Solutions global management structure. In addition, they will synchronize integration with WPP Open, WPP’s AI-driven marketing operating system used by almost 30,000 people across WPP and a growing  number of the company’s clients.  

Mel Edwards, global president of VML, said, “Neil has been a phenomenal leader for our business, driving the growth of our technology, data, and platform expertise for over 13 years. His continued close partnership with Jeff in growing and strengthening our Enterprise Solutions offering will be paramount to VML’s evolution.” 

VML Enterprise Solutions brings together the legacy agencies’ technology and data groups to form a single operating unit that services complex business challenges using the agency’s combined consulting, data, technology, and innovation capabilities. Over 7,000 employees across VML’s key offices and local markets around the world contribute to the Enterprise Solutions offering to deliver on the increasing market demand for applications of AI, technology-driven transformation, and operational efficiencies brought to life via robust technology solutions.  

VML Enterprise Solutions will integrate deep technology services capability into VML’s core practices of Brand Experience, Commerce and Customer Experience. The offering will also be direct to clients with best-in-class global scale in consulting, engineering, data, scaled automation and platform delivery. The comprehensive solution includes VML platform service brands such as MAP, Diff, and Satalia, a leading AI company acquired by WPP in 2021. The group also brings together tenured global partnerships with Adobe, Salesforce, Google, Microsoft, Braze and MACH Alliance, among others. 

Geheb has been an instrumental leader at VML, architecting the Customer Experience (CX) practice at a global scale. Today, the practice has grown to include more than 700 experts and specialists in CX consulting, product and service innovation, digital ecosystems, data and personalization, technology modernization, CRM, and loyalty program design.  

VML’s global CX practice is recognized by Forrester as one of the world’s top CX strategy consulting practices, with deep expertise in data, strategy, content and technology. 

Geheb said, “The potential of the unparalleled mix of technology and creative talent that is coming together under VML will be transformative for our clients and our industry. VML Enterprise Solutions gives us a flexible model to both power VML’s Brand Experience, Commerce, and Customer Experience practices and work directly with technology and digital leaders to find solutions for their most complex business challenges--that potential is exciting for me. Neil has been a tremendous thought partner and friend, and we will continue to work closely together.” 

  • Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024
Su Constantine promoted to exec producer at LOBO
Su Constantine
NEW YORK -- 

Multi-hyphenate creative production studio LOBO, known for its work in animation, design, and mixed media, has promoted Su Constantine to executive producer.

Constantine has been an integral part of the LOBO family for over eight years, working with brands and agencies such as LG, Coca-Cola, Toyota, McDonald’s, the American Lung Association, BBDO, TBWA\Chiat\Day, Yellow Stones, Havas and Hill Holliday.

Previously, Constantine held the role of new business/senior producer, and account manager/producer prior. As EP, Constantine will take on a multifaceted set of responsibilities. Her day-to-day role will involve comprehensive oversight of projects, meticulous management from award to completion, ensuring seamless operations, and adherence to strict timelines. She will also play a key role in mentoring and guiding LOBO’s talented team of producers, fostering and building a collaborative and efficient environment.

Constantine’s role will also encompass active engagement in business development initiatives. In collaboration with managing partner NY Luis Ribeiro and the leadership team, Constantine aims to play a pivotal role in steering the company towards new heights nationally and internationally.

LOBO’s recent work includes a clay animation sustainability campaign for LG in collaboration with TBWA/Chiat/Day, NY, an AI-charged opening for the 2023 Ciclope Festival, and a Van Gogh-esque advertising campaign for multinational software company SAP.

  • Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024
Rachel Faith Hanson named EP of VFX at Picture Shop
Rachel Faith Hanson
LOS ANGELES -- 

Rachel Faith Hanson has been named executive producer of visual effects at Picture Shop. She will be based at Picture Shop’s facility at Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood. Hanson will lead a global finishing team which offers Flame and beauty services and focuses on efficiency and creative problem solving for theatrical, broadcast and streaming episodic, and beyond. The team brings support to the company’s roster of colorists and high-end execution of clients’ visions.

Hanson began her career working in postproduction at studios including Paramount Pictures and New Line Cinema, before transitioning to the facility side of the industry. She has worked on all aspects of the feature and television postproduction pipeline. Prior to being named executive producer of visual effects for Picture Shop which is Streamland Media’s picture division, Hanson spent nearly seven years with Ingenuity Studios, where as an executive producer she oversaw projects for studios including Netflix, HBO and Disney. She was responsible for mentoring new producers and coordinators, creating script breakdowns and bidding for new work, as well as strengthening and maintaining key client relationships. Her recent credits include “Murder at the End of the World,” “She Hulk” and the soon to be released “Spiderwick Chronicles.”

“Rachel’s depth of experience will further enable our team to deliver the highest caliber work, on schedule and at the creative level that our clients’ projects demand,” said Picture Shop president Cara Sheppard. “Her leadership will be a great benefit to our clients, and we’re excited to have her move into this principal role.”

“I’m looking forward to taking on this role with a company that is talent first and dedicated to producing outstanding work,” said Hanson. “We want clients to know they have access to premier artists who will continue to provide the impeccable service that has made Picture Shop a top choice for storytellers “ 

Picture Shop’s global finishing team will also support projects that pass through Streamland Media’s visual effects companies, Ghost VFX and Ingenuity Studios.

Picture Shop’s locations include Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, and Vancouver with international locations in London, Manchester, Bristol, Wales and Pinewood Studios.

  • Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024
Lecoeur, Barry and Todd promoted at adam&eveDDB
adam&eveDDB's (l-r) Sam Lecoeur, Sarah Todd and Annabel Barry
LONDON -- 

Agency adam&eveDDB has made three key promotions, upping Sam Lecoeur from growth director to chief client officer, Annabel Barry from new business director to head of new business, and Sarah Todd from client strategy and integration lead to chief growth and integration officer.

Lecoeur joined the agency as a business director in 2016 from AMV, where he led some of the agency’s most creatively awarded accounts such as Guinness Global, Mercedes and Heinz. Following a successful year running the new business team in 2017, he was promoted to managing partner. After leading converted pitches such as Virgin Media and The National Lottery, Lecoeur stepped into the role of growth director in 2022, with a focus on harnessing further growth from existing clients.

As chief client officer, Lecoeur will focus on pursuing innovative, enduring client partnerships with new and existing clients; he will also continue to lead key accounts such as Volkswagen, Mars and Eurostar.

Barry joined adam&eveDDB in 2021 as new business manager. She was promoted to new business director in January 2023 and helped to win a host of new business last year including BT Business, Eurostar, Savills and a coveted spot on Amazon’s roster in September, Barry previously worked at UNIT9 and The Brooklyn Brothers. 

Todd’s job title change reflects how her role delivers growth through integration with new and existing clients--realizing adam&eveDDB’s future growth ambition, in tandem with a deep productive partnership with the wider Omnicom group. 

Todd joined adam&eveDDB a year ago, having been recruited for her broader business and integrated marketing perspective. She was previously growth and integration Lead on WPP’s Unilever team, and before that was U.K. chief executive of Geometry Global. During her career, Todd has worked extensively leading integrated communications, marketing capability and model transformation for global clients including Unilever, GSK, Heineken, Bacardi, and P&G. 

  • Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024
Dahlia Stone joins Golden LA as exec producer
Dahlia Stone
LOS ANGELES -- 

Golden LA has added Dahlia Stone to its team as executive producer. Formerly on the sales side, she has repped an array of creative companies, including Golden LA. This transition is an inspired pivot for Stone, informed by her years of experience across all facets of production.

Stone prides herself on offering creative solutions for modern production needs. She believes film and advertising reflect and influence contemporary society and actively recognizes great opportunities to create positive change in our industry. She brings to her new role a background in social justice work and arts organizing. As a sales agent, she was a West Coast talent rep with Stephanie Stephens Reps and worked as a Texas/Midwest rep with GRG Partners.

Golden LA is a multi-disciplinary studio led by fellow executive producer Geoff McLean. Golden LA’s previous commercial work includes collaborations with brands like Amazon, Google, Nike, FIFA, Miller Lite, Asics, Netflix, Apple and TikTok. Golden LA is also home to Goldenchild, a design-based arm of the company dedicated to CGI, VR/AR experiences, and creating elevated visual work for brands, agencies, and performing artists.

Golden’s managing director, Matthew Marquis, said, “Dahlia is a star when it comes to production. She’s whip-smart and has a unique way of approaching creative problem-solving. We’ve loved working with her as our sales rep and are thrilled to have her on board as an EP.”

  • Monday, Feb. 5, 2024
Gap Inc. taps American fashion designer Zac Posen as creative director
Fashion designer Zac Posen speaks with the media on the red carpet arrival at the Council of Fashion Designers of America awards, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in New York. In news announced Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, Gap has tapped Posen as the chain's creative director. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)
NEW YORK (AP) -- 

Gap Inc. has tapped American fashion designer Zac Posen as the chain's creative director.

The hire announced on Monday is among the first big personnel moves under the San Francisco-based chain's new CEO Richard Dickson, who took the helm in August and is aiming to turn around years of languishing sales. Dickson had previously been president of toy giant Mattel and was responsible for re-energizing its Barbie and Hot Wheels lines.

Gap also operates stores under Athleta and Banana Republic, Old Navy and its namesake brand.

In a statement, Dickson said Posen's "technical expertise and cultural clarity have consistently evolved American fashion, making him a great fit for the company as we ignite a new culture of creativity across the portfolio and reinvigorate our storied brands."

Posen, who launched his eponymous collection in 2001 and was known for his glamorous body-hugging gowns, was a red carpet favorite for such stars as Katie Holmes and Rihanna. But the business later struggled and was forced to shut down in 2019.

He'll be executive vice president at Gap Inc. and also chief creative officer for the lower-priced Old Navy chain.

Posen will work closely with Haio Barbeito, Old Navy's president and CEO, reporting directly to him, the company said.

Gap's shares rose nearly 1%, or 16 cents, on Monday to close at $19.97. They are up 31% in the last 12 months.

  • Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024
Modern Post signs editor Aitor Bigas for U.S. representation
Aitor Bigas
NEW YORK -- 

Bicoastal creative postproduction studio Modern Post has added editor Aitor Bigas to its roster for his first U.S. representation. Bigas’ work spans brands including Gucci, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Acne Studios and Calvin Klein as well as stylized music videos for artists such as Bad Bunny, Arca, Bjork and Rosalía. 

Bigas said, “With their talented roster and highly stylized work, Modern Post was a natural fit for me in the U.S. market.”

“Aitor’s work is incredibly dynamic and seamlessly integrates music and sound,” added Modern Post managing director Charlyn Derrick. “Whether he is working on a music video or a fashion spot, his distinct point of view is clear and you can feel an emotional pull across his body of work.”

After studying film at Barcelona Cinema School, Bigas got his start cutting music videos with friends. He gravitated towards the more experimental nature of the genre, which dovetailed nicely into the fashion space when he made the transition to brand work. He began rapidly building a reel for a wide range of fashion and luxury brands, drawing upon his experience as a drummer to punctuate heightened visuals with syncopated music and sound design.

A student of the world, Bigas continues to pursue his artistic passions beyond filmmaking, voraciously exploring all that European photography, art and music has to offer. He also is currently working on releasing the fifth photography book out of his own publishing house, PROGRESSO.

  • Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024
International Cinematographers Guild appoints new regional directors
John Amman (l) and Michaella "Micki" Bursalyan
LOS ANGELES -- 

The International Cinematographers Guild (ICG, IATSE Local 600) has appointed two new regional directors as it prepares for contract negotiations later this year. Michaella “Micki” Bursalyan joins ICG as Western region director, while ICG veteran John Amman is promoted to Eastern region director. 

“We are fortunate to have two labor leaders like John and Micki step into these important roles as region directors, and I’m looking forward to working with them,” said ICG national executive director Alex Tonisson. “Their skills and experience will help Local 600 grow and thrive during the upcoming Basic Agreement negotiations and beyond.”

With 16 years of experience in the labor movement, Bursalyan is a dedicated advocate for workers’ rights. Prior to joining ICG, Bursalyan served as the staff director for SEIU Local 221 and as sr. coordinator for SEIU International, a 2-million-member international labor organization. She also worked as a television business representative with AFTRA and then SAG/AFTRA early in her career. 

“I’m excited to welcome Micki to the Western region directorship. She’s been a stalwart in the labor movement, she’s experienced, she’s enthusiastic and she’s returning to her roots in our industry,” says Mark Weingartner, ASC, 2nd national vice president.

Amman is a 34-year veteran of Local 600, serving as assistant Eastern Region director and sr. business representative in the New York office, before being appointed Eastern Region director. He brings more than three decades of experience managing the needs of the Eastern region membership.

“I’m thrilled John is deepening his commitment to the ICG membership by taking on this new role,” said Chris Silano, national vice president. “He is an integral part of our community, having earned the respect of our members as well as the productions he has organized. I’m confident his leadership skills will greatly benefit us as we enter an exciting new era.” 

Bursalyan and Amman complete a roster of three region directors, alongside Central region director Theresa Khouri.

 

  • Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024
Uppercut adds Alex Hagon as editor and partner
Alex Hagon
NEW YORK -- 

Postproduction house Uppercut has added Alex Hagon as editor and partner. Hagon’s positioning as Uppercut’s first official partner is the initial step in incorporating this role into the company’s leadership.

“We have expanded to three offices [NYC, Atlanta, L.A.] across the U.S. in the last few years, and it’s time to collaborate with new partners to bring new perspectives and help shape and grow the company into the future,” said Uppercut’s founder and editor, Micah Scarpelli. “Alex is the perfect fit as a partner at Uppercut. With the culture we’ve built, he’s the exact partner we need: someone adept at many editing styles, an expert in all things postproduction, and always open to collaborating and digging in with other creatives.” 

Hagon is an award-winning editor from Bristol, England. His work includes editing spots for brands like Macy’s, Jack Daniels, GM, Adidas, Chanel, Amex, Samsung, Modelo, and FanDuel. He’s collaborated with directors like Drake Doremus, Nicolas Winding Refn, Luc Besson, David O. Russell, Anna & Ewan, and Anh Vu. Hagon’s edits have earned him many accolades throughout his career from awards shows like Cannes Lions, D&AD, APA, BTAA, The Kinsale Sharks, and LA Comedy Festival.

“When I graduated university I hoped to have a career as a drummer, but I got the chance to work with three fantastic and diverse editors and soon realized that editing shares a lot of similarities with drumming: rhythm, pace, and timing are at the heart of editing. It feels intuitive to me,” said Alex Hagon of his editing style. As for connecting with Uppercut, he shared, “I’m very excited to partner with Micah. I’m looking forward to building upon the success Uppercut has had already. Having run my own company, I’m keen to share some ideas and thoughts about how I see our industry evolving. I’ve also always championed assistants and junior editors. It will be fun to mentor the up-and-coming talent and build on my own journey.”

Lisa Sadek, Uppercut’s NY executive producer, said of Hagon, “We met judging on a panel and quickly realized we had very similar ideas about all the spots we were reviewing. I knew he’d be a great fit with us right away. His outstanding experience makes him an outstanding editor with a deep understanding of the business and a vision of evolving and growing within the industry.”

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