Experience

I am a collaborative leader passionate about creativity that drives business results for my clients. As a personable and approachable individual, I also have the courage to have tough conversations when necessary. Combining solid relationships with efficient operations drives team success. I dedicate quality time to deeply understanding my clients' businesses while creating systems and processes that empower my team to add value to key client priorities. I aim to develop true partnerships that lead to marketplace success through breakthrough creativity. I have been fortunate to work with some of America’s most marketable brands, developing communications across all consumer engagement platforms.

LEO BURNETT, USA

Senior Vice President Account Director, Kellogg’s/Kellanova, US Cellular

October 2021 to Present

• Strategic Leadership: Spearheaded the development of insight-driven, integrated marketing programs that blend creativity with data-driven strategies to deliver impactful brand experiences. Guided the creative direction and strategic planning, ensuring that all initiatives were aligned with the brand’s long-term vision and goals.

• Team Empowerment: Cultivated a dynamic and inclusive team culture that prioritizes creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning. Empowered team members to take ownership of their projects, fostering a sense of accountability and encouraging innovative problem-solving.

• Client Relationship Management: Built and nurtured senior-level client relationships grounded in trust, transparency, and a deep understanding of their business challenges. Leveraged these relationships to secure new business opportunities and drive significant revenue growth for the agency.

• Financial Oversight: Managed complex client financials, including forecasting, budgeting, and investment strategies. Ensured that all projects were delivered within budget while maximizing return on investment for both the client and the agency.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partnered with leadership teams to craft high-level strategic plans, utilizing cross-functional teams to identify and implement powerful solutions to client problems. This collaborative approach led to the successful execution of several high-impact campaigns.

HAVAS CHICAGO

Group Account Director, AutoZone, Republic Technology, Cracker Barrel       

November 2018 to October 2021

• Portfolio Management: Led the management of the agency’s most valuable client portfolio, with a combined agency fee exceeding $8M. Oversaw the development and execution of comprehensive annual statements of work (SOWs), staffing plans, and resource allocation to ensure profitability and client satisfaction.

• Operational Efficiency: Identified and implemented operational improvements across all teams, resulting in a 15% reduction in overutilization within the first two weeks of the new process. These efficiencies not only enhanced team performance but also contributed to improved creative output.

• Client Turnaround: Orchestrated the successful turnaround of the Republic Technology account by fostering strong partnerships with internal teams and client leadership. This involved stabilizing the business, revitalizing the brand’s market position, and setting the stage for long-term growth.

• Account Growth: Developed and executed actionable account growth plans, driving significant increases in revenue and expanding the agency’s footprint within existing client relationships. Successfully positioned Havas as a trusted advisor to clients, leading to the acquisition of additional business.

LEO BURNETT, USA

VP Account Director, Jim Beam, INTEL        

September 2016 to November 2018

• Strategic Roadmapping: Developed a strategic roadmap that delivered innovative, breakthrough creative campaigns. The “Making History” campaign for Jim Beam White Label became a standout success, generating unprecedented consumer engagement and solidifying the brand’s market leadership.

• Global Coordination: Implemented streamlined processes to better serve INTEL’s global in-store communication needs. This included the development of consistent messaging across all markets, ensuring a cohesive brand presence worldwide.

• Client Partnership: Fostered a strong, enduring partnership with Jim Beam’s leadership, contributing to the successful launch of new product lines and the expansion of the brand’s market reach. The first year of the agency relationship saw significant gains in consumer loyalty and brand awareness.

 VP Account Director, Allstate               

August 2014 to September 2016

• Account Leadership: Managed the largest segment of the Allstate national account, representing a $7MM agency fee. Led the development and execution of innovative marketing programs, including the high-profile Allstate Sugar Bowl activation, which generated 6MM social engagements in one night.

• Digital Innovation: Created a groundbreaking digital content series aimed at recruiting new agents and elevating the quality of agent prospects. The series, which dramatized the life of an Allstate Agency, positioned agents as trusted advisors in their communities, leading to record recruitment numbers.

• Revenue Growth: Proactively pursued new business opportunities, securing over $700,000 in incremental revenue in 2016 alone. This was achieved through a combination of strategic account management and the development of new service offerings tailored to client needs.

Account Director, Allstate

May 2012 to August 2014

• Integrated Program Development: Oversaw the creation of integrated marketing programs for Allstate’s national campaigns, including the launch of the Good Life Hub. This online destination provided new homeowners with valuable tips, tools, and perks, and featured content from home experts like Mike Holmes and Carter Oosterhouse.

• Team Leadership: Managed a team of account supervisors and executives, leading them to become the client’s “best marketing partner,” as identified in agency evaluations. Introduced innovative solutions and consistently delivered high-quality service, resulting in enhanced client satisfaction and business growth.

Account Supervisor, Kellogg’s Special K and Adult Cereal

September 2010 to May 2012

• Client Relationship Stabilization: Successfully stabilized a challenging client relationship by being a constant presence in strategic and creative discussions. This hands-on approach led to the development of annual communication plans with partner agencies and the creation of new North American creative for Special K, Kellogg’s highest-priority global brand.

DDB, USA

Account Executive, Global McDonald’s Team

August 2008 to September 2010

• Global Campaign Management: Managed global television productions for major events, including the 2008 Olympics and the 2008 Global Brand Creative for McDonald’s. Developed and implemented a global communications process that ensured seamless collaboration across 35 countries involved in the McDonald’s business.

Account Manager, US, Young Adult McDonald’s Team

July 2005 to August 2008

• Young Adult Marketing: Played a key role in US young adult marketing efforts for McDonald’s, contributing to campaigns like the Dollar Menu, Breakfast, Sports Marketing, and the “Monopoly” promotion. Participated in the execution of traditional and non-traditional advertising campaigns, providing valuable insights through competitive tracking and marketplace analysis.

Red Bull, North America 

Student Brand Manager

June 2003 - July 2005

• Brand Image Promotion: Implemented Red Bull’s brand image on campus by creating and executing targeted marketing campaigns that resonated with the student demographic. These campaigns focused on building awareness and credibility for the brand, fostering a strong connection with the college audience.

• Product Advocacy: Cultivated belief in Red Bull’s product benefits by engaging directly with students through sampling events, interactive promotions, and educational initiatives. This hands-on approach helped to establish Red Bull as the go-to energy drink for students facing the demands of college life.

• Long-Term Loyalty Building: Developed strategies to ensure long-term brand loyalty by integrating Red Bull into the college experience. Organized and supported events that aligned with the brand’s energetic and adventurous spirit, reinforcing the brand’s presence and appeal among the student body.

Awards: Bronze Lion – Kellanova | Titanium Cannes Lion – Allstate | Bronze One Show Pencil – Allstate | Silver Kinsale Shark Awards – Kellogg’s | Bronze Clio – Kellogg’s | Cannes Shortlist – Kellogg’s  | Bronze Cannes Lion – McDonald’s | Global Silver Effie – McDonald’s | Cannes Shortlist – McDonald’s 

Education: Bradley University - 2001 to 2005 – BS in Communication, Advertising, and Marketing

Personal: South African born, husband to Carly, Dad to Jack and Olivia, fixer of fire trucks, and Candyland King. Addict of Pearl Jam and lover of watches, wine, bourbon, cars, planes, and things shiny and new in the tech world