Staffing Changes at Twist Image, Omelet and More

By Patrick Coffee 

twist imageToronto digital marketing agency Twist Image signed Jon Finkelstein as its new ECD. Finklestein, who most recently served as SVP/ECD at the BBDO “sibling agency” Proximity Canada, replaces Virginia Magaletta, who held the position for more than six years.

Prior to joining Proximity, Finklestein spent nine years as a partner and creative lead at Toronto’s Grip Limited; he also served as CD at henderson bas after starting his career as ACD at ICD and Ogilvy, where he worked on IBM, Amex and Kodak.

You may recall that Twist Image sold to WPP in May; at the time, President Mitch Joel described the move as “a bigger bet.”

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“Branding, marketing and entertainment company” Omelet — which recently named  Shannon McGlothinformer director of Leo Burnett’s Samsung shop, as its GCD — promoted partner Mike Wallen to the newly created position of Chief Content Officer. Wallen, who the release credits with bringing in Walmart and Red Bull, joined the agency in 2011 and will continue to run its “branded content division” Omelet Studio in addition to promoting an upcoming feature film about “ex-LA gang leaders turned street saviors” (their words). He previously served as partner and EVP of content & development.

Naked Communications of London appointed Cyrus Vantoch-Wood to lead its creative team. Vantoch-Wood, who most recently served as CD at Cheil London for approximately 18 months, will report to New York-based group chief creative and strategy officer Izzy DeBellis.

Before moving to Cheil back in June of 2013, Vantoch-Wood held CD positions at Atmosphere BBDO and R/GA (his was one of  eight the New York agency announced in March 2013). He was also one of Dare’s original employees.

Indianapolis-based Young & Laramore announced four hires:

  • Senior Art Director Brian Thibodeau previously held similar positions at The Martin Agency, Ogilvy Chicago and The Richards Group. He will work on the Brizo, Indiana Farm Bureau, Building Tomorrow, and Goodwill accounts.
  • Designer and recent Ball State graduate Dustin Zimmerman will work on the Kraftmaid, Kelty and Building Tomorrow accounts.
  • Designer Kyle Nordsiek, formerly of Indianapolis Art Institute, will work on Schlage, Allegion and Upland Brewing.
  • Will Calderwood has also joined the agency as account manager.

All three creatives will report to CDs Trevor Williams and Bryan Judkins.

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