J. Walter Thompson has hired Lulu Laudon as chief strategy officer of its New York office. She formerly was group strategy director at Anomaly.
Laudon will work closely with North America CEO Simon Pearce and New York chief creative officer Ben James to identify and develop new opportunities and partnerships as JWT continues “reimagining the future of the agency.”
That reimagining saw the elimination of the worldwide CCO position in March, and subsequently the departure of Matt Eastwood who held that role since 2014. It also saw the February elevation of Pearce and James in their current roles, along with various other key promotions including that of Susan Kim-Kirkland to chief marketing officer of JWT worldwide.
“I am thrilled to welcome Lulu to the JWT family as our new strategic lead,” Pearce said in a statement. “Her profusion of knowledge in new business, as well as her extensive global brands experience, will guide the development of JWT’s strategic priorities across the organization.”
JWT said Laudon has provided strategic insight and leadership for more than 10 years to companies such as General Mills, JPMorgan Chase, ExxonMobil and GE. At Anomaly she oversaw the global expansion of the Budweiser account and the winning new business pitches for William Hill and Ally Bank.
“It’s an honor to come to J. Walter Thompson,” Laudon added in a statement. “I am delighted to work with Simon and Ben under any circumstances—but to do it at a legendary agency that values planning so highly makes this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”