Independent Kansas City-based agency Barkley hired Jessica Walden-Morden as creative director, tasked with leading creative on WingStop, Vanity Fair, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Children’s Health.
“We spent nine months interviewing endless candidates for this position. We wanted someone whose work was idea-driven, brave and modern— plus, we wanted a true leader to help build Barkley’s future,” Barkley executive vice president, executive creative director Katy Hornaday, who was promoted to her current role in March, said in a statement. “The search was over once we met Jessica. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have her at Barkley.”
Walden-Morden joins Barkley from Publicis, where she spent the past four years as a senior copywriter. She began her career at Fallon, where she spent five years as a copywriter. Over the course of her career she has worked with brands including Cadillac, American Girl, T-Mobile, Aflac, Eddie Bauer and Totino’s Pizza.
“Barkley is a force behind really good work that does real good,” Walden-Moren added. “Any agency can talk about standing by the big idea, but Barkley has the independence and courage to make it happen—and I can’t wait make it happen together.”
Back in August, Barkley announced plans to absorb fellow Kansas City agency Meers and launch a new health and finance unit. The same month, the agency welcomed creative directors Matt Pruett and Chris Cima.