Independent agency Walrus welcomed Paul Savaiano as head of strategy. In the role, he will be tasked with overseeing all existing and new business and leading the agency’s strategic growth while working closely with Walrus media communications director Kevin Porter to create communications plans for clients.
Savaiano arrives at Walrus from Taxi New York, where he has served as head of strategy since 2016 and helped secure new business including Dannon Yogurt. Prior to that he spent two years as freelance brand strategist following two years as a senior strategist with 72andSunny Los Angeles, where he helped bring in Square as a client. Prior to that he spent three years as a strategist with Leo Burnett Chicago.
“A lot of agencies pay lip service to strategy, only wheeling the strategists out for pitches in order to backward engineer briefs off of existing creative executions, and to dazzle clients with process. We are true believers in the power of a tight, smart creative insight that sparks great ideas – and that starts with an iron-clad brief,” Walrus co-founder and chief operating officer Frances Webster. “This is one of Paul’s key strengths and he will continue to help us prove to our clients that the key to driving a brand in the marketplace is to blend creativity and business strategy.”
“I am passionate about solving problems strategically, and as a visual storyteller, a thinker and a doer, I was immediately drawn to the Walrus culture and philosophy,” added Savaiano. “I am thrilled to join the strategic team at Walrus, after being drawn to the agency’s full-service offering and the advantages it brings to its clients. I am beyond excited for this new challenge.”