VMLY&R has hired Sherman Winfield and James Beikmohamadi as executive creative directors based in the Atlanta office. They will report to Noel Cottrell, chief creative officer, Kansas City.

Winfield and Beikmohamadi will play a key role in the agency, inspiring and invigorating creative teams to drive award-winning work and excellence in the consumer experience. Both will support key creative accounts for VMLY&R Atlanta and VMLY&R Kansas City.

Both Winfield and Beikmohamadi join VMLY&R from Fitzco, where they led creative efforts on Coca-Cola, French’s Mustard and a host of other national brands. They helped lead the agency to record financial growth while bringing in a steady flow of client results, creative awards and international recognition.

The work they’ve done has garnered multiple Cannes Lions, Best in Discipline at One Show, D&AD pencils, Effies and Best in Show at Adstars, among other honors. 

“Sherman and James are immensely talented senior leaders who bring everything they have to make work that breaks through pretty much every time. A combination of unique storytelling ability and building meaningful experiences means they’re going to kill it building truly connected brands here at VMLY&R,” said Cottrell. “Their exceptional creative skills have contributed to some of the world’s most standout work. We’re fortunate to add them to our deep bench of North American talent.”

Winfield started his career at Crispin Porter Bogusky, spending time at other agencies such as iCrossing and McCann New York. He has also worked across a number of global brands such as Coca-Cola, Domino’s, Delta, Best Buy, Kraft Mac & Cheese, Jell-O and Obama for America.

Beikmohamadi got his start as a copywriter at Evolution Bureau. He then moved to Crispin Porter Bogusky where he met Winfield. He has worked across a wide rotor of brands, including Coca-Cola, Kraft Mac & Cheese, Delta, Skittles, French’s Mustard and Microsoft.

Winfield and Beikmohamadi both attended Miami Ad School.