As we round out the week, we’re celebrating a number of new beginnings, transitions and even the closing of some chapters at agencies around the world.
Bucketsquad
Bucketsquad named Zach Miller, who previously led strategy and business development for content business at Spotify, as its first-ever president. The media and ecommerce company was founded by top YouTube sports creator Jess Riedel.
Godfrey Dadich
Godfrey Dadich named Thomas Ellingson as its new chief operating officer. Ellingson will lead daily operations, financial performance and growth, while also developing operational rigor and creative excellence.
IW Group
IW Group, part of IPG and which specializes in multicultural youth marketing, has promoted Karen Tran Wood to group director of entertainment marketing and publicity. In this newly created role, Wood will oversee the growth of the agency’s entertainment marketing practice, focusing on diversifying its digital and creator/influencer offerings and spearheading the development of an all-new brand partnerships team aimed at forging collaborations between studios and top consumer brands.
January Digital
Brian Simmons was named head of growth at January Digital. Simmons will lead all new business efforts and work to build the company’s continued growth.
Jellyfish
The founder of Jellyfish, Rob Pierre, is stepping down after 18 years at the company to focus on other ambitions with potential for wider social impact. Pierre has experienced tremendous success since the founding of Jellyfish, including its acquisition by The Brandtech Group in June 2023.
Los York
Los York hired Kevin Cabuli as global creative director. Cabull brings considerable experience as the creative force behind campaigns for Magnum Ice Cream, Dove and Axe.
Nomad
Nomad signed editor Ally Gondeck to its roster. Gondeck brings experience with debuted videos for artists like Ciara, Camila Cabello, WIllow Smith, Yungblud and Big Sean.
NVE Experience Agency
NVE Experience Agency named Shelley Elkins as its new chief creative officer. Elkins joins from her previous role as global chief creative officer for Jack Morton Worldwide.
Odelay Films
Odelay Films launched a new division in the U.S. The division will be led by co-founder and director Peter Lee Scott alongside co-founders Prudence Beecroft and Ed Arthur, with East Coast sales representation by The Family NYC.
Participant
Participant welcomed two new team members, Baratunde Thurston and Chi-hui Yang, to join its impact advisory council. The council includes leaders in the impact and entertainment space whose experience helps to guide Participant’s impact campaign strategy.
Patreon
Patreon welcomed Brielle Villablanca as its new vp of comms and creator advocacy. Villablanca will work to support Patreon’s continued commitment to helping creator strengthen their communities and build sustainable businesses.
RadicalMedia
RadicalMedia signed filmmaker Abteen Bagheri for representation in the U.S., spanning commercials, music videos and branded content. Bagheri is an internationally recognized talent that just won “best hip hop video” at the 2023 UKMVA’s for his music video, “Headspace/Bent” with artist Benjamin Earl Turner.
Rise at Seven
Rise at Seven welcomed Ryan Darani as its search strategy director. Darani brings 10 years of experience in search and content marketing through previous roles at Zazzle Media and Stickyeyes, which was bought by IPG group.
Riverside Entertainment
Riverside Entertainment formed a new commercial division, designed to embrace storytelling across all platforms. The department will be supported by executive producer Loren Victory and integrated producer Evan Paszamant. Signed to its roster are Alexandra Gavillet, Alexander Hankoff, Justin Lamar Carter, Natalie Johns, Ross Haines and Samuel Bennetts.
Specsavers
Specsavers appointed Agi Varanyi as the head of creative business partnership for its in-house agency, Specsavers Creative. Varanyi will nurture the partnership with marketing teams across the business.
TravelBoom
TravelBoom promoted Alyssa Foriska to director of marketing. Foriska will lead and oversee all marketing strategy for digital campaigns across creative, digital, analytics and operations.
Wavemaker U.K.
Wavemaker U.K. hired Emmie Sergeant as its first head of operations and delivery. Sergeant will lead the project management team to deliver multi-platform media, content, data and technology projects.
WPP
WPP named Lindsay Pattison as its global chief people officer. Transitioning from her previous role as global chief client officer, Pattison will lead the agency’s people strategy and operations.