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Anomaly is going through a period of change. Earlier this month, the shop became Bud Light’s agency of record, and it is gearing up for Web 3 with a global head of emerging experiences and technology, Chris Neff, who was hired in July. The agency also won over Dunkin as its creative agency of record in November, and other new business includes Jimmy John’s, Netflix and Tanqueray, resulting in a $137 million revenue increase that brought its numbers above pre-pandemic levels. Now, Anomaly LA has a new president.
Khara Wagner is stepping into a new role at the agency as LA’s president and managing partner. Jiah Choi, who worked at Anomaly LA for six years as president and later CEO, has announced her departure. Prior to this new role, Wagner served as Managing Partner and Head of Account Management at Anomaly New York. Before her journey at Anomaly, which began in 2019, Wagner worked at TBWA\Chiat\Day, overseeing brands including McDonald’s and Thomson Reuters. She also held roles at Walton Isaacson, Grey Group and Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness, with her career beginning in business development at BBH New York.
Wagner will report to Global CEO and Partner Karina Wilsher, and she is teaming up with Partner and Chief Strategy Officer Aisea Laungaue and Partner and Chief Creative Officer Josh Fell to drive client business and the internal team forward.
“As we considered who would be the perfect partner to complete our leadership team here in LA, it quickly became evident that Khara was our first choice,” said Laungaue. “We’re thrilled she’s agreed to take on this new role.”
Wagner is looking forward to joining Laungaue and Fell’s “powerhouse in LA,” which she says speaks to their “perfect combination of ambition, humility and energy.” She is also proud to work at an agency that is strong at both attracting and retaining talent and business, she said.
“I was honored to be considered,” she said in a statement. “I am humbled to be chosen. I couldn’t be more excited to step into this new role in a new office with the agency I know, respect and trust.”
Wilsher added that she has “no doubt that Khara’s sharp understanding” of the business will accelerate Anomaly forward.
“Khara’s business acumen, grasp on culture, and commitment to actionable equity, paired with Aisea and Josh’s strategic and creative vision, will create the leadership alchemy needed to keep the LA office thriving and growing in the years to come,” she said in a statement.
