In yet another example of agency leadership leaving for a role at a global consultancy, insights and strategy consultancy Kelton Global hired W+K veteran Nicole Brandell to oversee its brand and marketing strategy capabilities.
Brandell will serve as a member of Kelton’s leadership team as partner, brand and marketing strategy, tasked with expanding capabilities is those areas, leveraging data and insights for brand partners.
She arrives at the agency from W+K Portland, where she most recently served as global group strategy director on Airbnb, following eight years as group strategy director for Coca-Cola. Prior to joining W+K she spent around 8 years with Leo Burnett serving in senior planning roles including vice president, planning director for Phillip Morris.
“We’ve partnered with Nicole for years, and know firsthand that she is immensely talented at
managing large teams and scaling departments, all while delivering high quality client work,”
said Kelton president and co-founder Gareth Schweitzer. “Her experience with mature,
established brands, skyrocketing newcomers, and expertise in tech, CPG, and retail sectors is a
perfect match for Kelton. We’re thrilled to have her join our team.”
“After working with Kelton on the client side, I’ve seen firsthand how their insights work and strategic guidance have directly impacted companies for the better,” Brandell added. “I’m excited to contribute to the team while furthering my professional mission of helping global brands figure out what they uniquely offer, and how they can earn their place in people’s lives.”
Brandell’s exit follows the departures of Nilesh Ashra and Paulo Ribeiro from W+K’s creative technology group The Lodge in March.