Grey New York has parted ways with chief creative officer Andreas Dahlqvist, who has elected to return to Sweden to serve as CCO NORD DDB, a new agency combining offices in Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen and Helsinki, leading the agency along with CEO Niclas Melin.
We’ve been hearing rumors of his potential departure and an interest in other jobs for several months, but according to the press releases this was a mutual decision.
“The Nordics is a unique mix of talent, tech, pop culture and inventiveness fueled by a need to survive the long winters,” Dahlqvist said in a statement. “It feels great to get a chance to help write the next chapter of the DDB story in the region, at a time when our industry is going through the next big creative revolution. I think this part of the world is uniquely set up to figure out what true creative agencies should look like going forward.”
“This is of course great news on many levels – for our culture, clients and employees, but also for me personally,” Melin added. “I have had the privilege to work with Andreas and know what a great business partner he is. I’m really looking forward to working with him again and to launch this new agency together.”
Grey New York CEO Debby Reiner announced Dahlqvist’s departure in an internal memo this morning, stating that Dahlqvist is “leaving after two-and-a-half successful years for a new venture,” while noting that Grey New York was” ranked #1 Agency in the U.S. and North America and the #2 Agency in the world by Cannes Lions in 2016″ under his creative leadership.
In the memo, Reiner announced that the agency has “recruited a new creative leader whom we will announce shortly.”
Reiner declined to name the new CCO in the memo, because, “this individual has yet to inform his or her current clients about the pending move,” a source told Adweek.
She also announced the promotions of executive creative directors Jeff Stamp and Rob Lenois to roles as deputy chief creative officers. In doing so she cited Stamp as being “instrumental in our global Gillette win and the great work that has followed,” as well as commending his work for clients such as the NFL, Marriott and Febreze. Reiner received kudos as a creative force who “helped to win Weber,” led the agency’s first global campaign for Febreze and “created memorable ads for Ally Bank and Ketel One.”
Here’s the memo in full:
I wanted to share some news with you. Andreas Dahlqvist, Chief Creative Officer of Grey New York, has elected to leave after two-and-a-half successful years for a new venture.
Under Andreas’s leadership, Grey New York was ranked #1 Agency in the U.S. and North America and the #2 Agency in the world by Cannes Lions in 2016. By my count, we’ve won 45 Lions in the last two years, an all-time record, with great creative work across big brands and big clients that has resonated across popular culture.
Andreas takes with him our warmest wishes for continued success as he opens a new chapter in his career and our thanks for all his contributions to Grey.
Importantly, we have recruited a new creative leader whom we will announce shortly.
In addition, I am delighted to announce that we are expanding our creative leadership to take full advantage of the firepower we already possess. Jeff Stamp and Rob Lenois, both Executive Creative Directors, have each been promoted to Deputy Chief Creative Officer, a well-deserved new title. In addition, they will join the Grey New York Executive Management Group.
In his nearly five years at Grey, Jeff has led teams on some of our most challenging businesses. He was instrumental in our global Gillette win and the great work that has followed; the reboot of the NFL and its Super Bowl Babies; Marriott’s global campaign and the relaunch of Febreze with outstanding results and recognition.
A seven-year veteran of Grey, Rob helmed the first global campaign for Febreze that won Cannes acclaim and has created memorable ads for Ally Bank and Ketel One. He has overseen an extensive creative portfolio, working on Hasbro, LongHorn, Advil and Papa John’s. Along the way, he’s found time to contribute to our award-winning gun safety efforts and helped to win Weber. He’s brought home 15 Cannes Lions for Grey.
Please give Jeff and Rob your congratulations and full support as we build on our Walgreens and Applebee’s wins and prepare for another killer award season.
Best,
Debby