IPG agency Golin has hired Anthony O’Neill to lead creative at its Chicago headquarters as executive creative director. O’Neill reports to Ron D’Innocenzo, chief creative officer, North America at Golin. Together, the two will lead a team of creative directors, content experts, culture makers and designers.
O’Neill joins the agency from Goodby Silverstien & Partners, where he most recently served as creative director. In his new role, O’Neill leads a diverse creative squad in work for clients including Allstate, Dyson, Grubhub, McDonald’s and Walmart. As part of his role, O’Neill joins Golin’s global creative leadership bench, working with global chief creative officer George Bryant to strategically drive the agency’s most important global creative needs.
“It’s the golden era of earned-first creative,” said O’Neill in a statement. “Nothing is given and everything must be earned when it comes to connecting with humans in today’s fast-paced and frenetic world. I’m excited to lead a group of brilliant minds and build an ambitious team to create work for the next chapter at Golin with brave ideas that inspire action.”
O’Neill’s 15-year industry background includes delivering creative and results for brands including BMW, Capri Sun, Courageous Conversations Global Foundation, Jack Daniels, Michelob Ultra, Mountain Dew, Pepsi, The Golden State Warriors and Xfinity, including Super Bowl work.
Prior to joining Golin, O’Neill had a 13-year creative run with his partner Rony Castor, working for agencies including DDB, FCB, Commonground MSG (now Ten35), Havas and Burrell Communications. He has received numerous awards, including Adweek’s Creative 100 in 2020, and Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas finalist. Last year, he was honored as the Adcolor One Club Creative Honoree.
“Anthony brings brilliant ideas that shake up the status quo, and he knows how to earn the trust of clients to bring those ideas to the world,” said D’Innocenzo in a statement. “He instantly bolsters the creative leadership team with experience across sports and entertainment while also bringing a diverse consciousness to the mix that leads to ground-breaking outcomes. It was important for us to identify an inspired leader who could shape campaigns that reflect the communities we serve, while also molding the next generation of talent.”
O’Neill believes that his responsibility and obligation is to lead work that saves lives and creates real change. He has championed campaigns for CCGF over the last five years that include award-winning campaign, “Not a Gun,” and the recent “Driving While Black” work in partnership with Goodby Silverstein & Partners before he joined Golin.
“I’m a huge fan of Anthony, and I believe his strong vision and conviction, creative energy and inspired leadership style are unmatched—and are also contagious,” said Ginger Porter, central region president, Golin in a statement. “In his short time here, he is already inspiring more creative bravery and break-the-mold thinking with our clients and teams.”