Transformation. I didn’t plan on making it my ‘thing’ and there were definitely easier paths. But you know what? I love it.
2020-Present, Partner/CEO @Angry Butterfly,
Founded with two incredible partners, supported by a diverse, dynamic and talented team, and 5 brave clients. We are transforming how marketing and advertising is done. And it’s about time.
2019-2020, CEO/Chief Creative Officer @DDB Group Canada,
Leading DDB Canada’s total creative product and the agency’s overall strategic direction and P&L.
Working with a high performing team throughout all platforms including TRACKDDB (data), Tribal Worldwide (tech), TracyLocke (shopper), Twice (design) and DDB – across Montreal, Toronto, Edmonton, and Vancouver locations.
2018, President & Chief Creative Officer Global Brands @JWT Worldwide & @JWTCanada
Leading key global clients in New York and full P&L responsibilities for Canadian operations.
2015-2018, Chief Creative Officer @JWT New York
Great people. Great brands. Great history. In our first two years leading JWT’s flagship office, the team won multiple pieces of business. Built a strong leadership team. Re-imagined the creative group to be innovation leaders. Championed multiple future leaders to national and global recognition. Brought home 23 Cannes Lions in NY (Plus 4 more Lions in Canada). And was the #1 JWT Cannes Agency in the network after 3 straight years of winning zero lions.
In year three, the J. Walter Thompson team was named Silver Agency of the Year and was on the podium for the first time in the AOY 26 year competition. This was the cherry on top to winning multiple Tier One accounts including Air Canada & Burger King, and increasing our agency award count by 400% (200+ International and National awards highlighted by Cannes Lions, Strategy Mag Campaign of the Year, and the AToMiC Grand Prix).
2009, Chief Creative Officer @Cundari
In 4 years, Cundari – which previously had never been ranked in the top 100 creative agencies – our team helped transform it into the runner-up for the 2012 “Agency of the Year”, an impressive 6th place Big Won Global Ranking for the “Top Digital Agency in the World” (The only Canadian agency to make any Top 10 list) and Top 5 Creative Agency in Canada. The ascent featured world-renowned creative (including two Gold Lions), Tier One new-business wins and innovative solutions that one would never expect from an ad agency. Personally, I was also listed as the #2 ranked CCO in the World for Digital. Pretty crazy for the son of a motel owner in Niagara Falls.
2006, Creative Director @Saatchi & Saatchi
In just 3 years, Saatchi – which was literally about to close their doors in Canada, our team led by Brett Channer, transformed it into the “Turn Around Agency” of the entire 150-office global network.
2002, Associate Creative Director @Lowe Roche
During my 4 years, at Lowe Roche – I was able to learn from one of Canada’s icons (Geoffrey Roche), and was a part of the great team that helped transform it into the “Agency of the Year”.
1999, Senior Writer @Publicis
During my 3 years at Publicis – which had just opened their doors in Canada in ’99 – was a part of the team, led by the Bruce Brothers, that helped it transform into the “Agency of the Year”.
1988-1999, Transformed myself from a math nerd, to an Ivey business grad, to an account guy, to an award-winning writer.
At home today, I transform back into a proud dad, insane NFL fan, and loving husband. My wife would add “In that order.”
Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the pleasure of gaining great experiences on a number of world-class brands across virtually every category and every medium.
AUTOMOTIVE
BMW
BMW Global
Mercedes-Benz
VW
Toyota
Ford
Mazda
TECHNOLOGY
TELUS
Microsoft
Hewlett-Packard
Rogers
Ericsson
Virgin Mobile
XM Satellite Radio
CAUSE
The Hospital for Sick Children
The Run for the Cure
Canadian Cancer Society
MADD
Participaction
PACKAGED GOODS
P&G Canada
P&G USA
Maple Leaf Foods
Novartis
Unilever
Puma
Nike
Mars/Effem
Molson
Allan Candy
Campari
Kellogg’s
Labatt
Johnson & Johnson
Nestle
FINANCIAL
CIBC
BMO
T Rowe Price
HSBC
Mackenzie Financial
BMW Financial Services
INSTITUTION/GOVERNMENT
Canada Savings Bonds
Dairy Farmers of Canada
French Language Education
Ivey School of Business
David Miller for Mayor Campaign
LCBO
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
RETAIL
Tim Horton’s
Air Canada
McDonalds
Subway
Walmart
LCBO
BMW
Ford
Home Outfitters
Firkin Restaurants
Winners
PLACE BRANDING/TOURISM
Northern Ontario Tourism
I Love New York
Sandals
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Hartford
HEALTHCARE
Eli Lilly
Novartis
Johnson & Johnson
The Hospital for Sick Children