New York independent agency Joan hired a new executive creative director, filling a position formerly held by Dan Lucey.
Lauren Costa joins Joan in the role at the beginning of 2021, and will be tasked with managing the agency’s creative output while reporting to co-founder and CCO Jaime Robinson. Costa formerly freelanced with Joan, working on the launch of the Keds brand platform “Made for Women, Whatever that Means,” as well as work for clients Express and Facebook.
“I have been trying to get Lauren to officially join Joan for no less than three years. I’m so thrilled she finally said yes,” Robinson said in a statement. “This woman is a force of nature, a brilliant leader, a whip smart strategic thinker and has one of the most versatile creative brains I have ever encountered. Also, she’s funny as hell. The staff screamed in happiness when I told them. We’re so lucky to have her.”
Costa previously led a creative group at Droga5 and is also a veteran of Ogilvy and W+K. Over the course of her career, she has worked with clients including Chase, ESPN and IBM. Prior to making the jump to advertising, Costa began her career in journalism, writing for publications including The Washington Post.
“As soon as I stepped into Joan I was struck. The energy Jaime and Lisa bring every day spreads to everyone in the agency and all the work that comes out of it,” Costa said in a statement. “Brands come to Joan for its unique point of view, and Joan has the luxury of holding true to that. I can’t wait to be a part of shaping that point of view, for the agency, and for our clients.”
The appointment follows former Joan ecd and equity partner Dan Lucey joining Havas New York as CCO after the departure of that office’s former creative lead, Harry Bernstein in October.