W+K London promoted Neil Christie to the role of global chief operating officer, making him the first to hold the position in over three years. In the role, he will manage the agency’s day-to-day operations and work closely with W+K global chief creative officer Colleen DeCourcy while reporting directly to W+K president Dave Luhr.
“Neil exemplifies strong W+K business leadership,” Lurh said in a statement. “He knows great creative work and is never afraid to push for it internally or with clients. This relentless drive has powered W+K London to become globally recognized for great work and strong results for clients. I have no doubt he will apply the same drive and innovative thinking in his new global role.”
“Wieden+Kennedy was founded to be a place where people could do the best work of their lives, and we have had a pretty good run with that so far,” Christie added. “It’s an honor to help continue that legacy, and to define what that means for our people and clients globally as we look ahead to our future.”
Christie has served as managing director for W+K London since his arrival from Euro RSCG, where he served as a marketing director, at the beginning of 2004. Prior to Euro RSCG he spent a year as a marketing director with Partners BDDH and eight years as a managing director with TBWA.
Deputy managing director Helen Andrews will be promoted to fill Christie’s former role, tasked with running the London office alongside executive creative directors Tony Davidson and Iain Tait while reporting to Christie.
Andrews joined W+K London almost nine years ago and was promoted from director of account services to deputy managing director in 2014. She has worked on accounts including Three and Lurpak, and recently helped lead successful pitches on T.K. Maxx and Sainsbury’s.
“Helen has played a huge part in W+K London’s success over the last decade,” Christie said in a statement. “This promotion is richly deserved and will be celebrated by all who are lucky enough to have worked with her. Helen will take W+K to the next level of success for its work, its clients, and its people.”