Ariad Communications has added three creative directors, bringing in Neil Woodley from outside the firm and promoting senior designers James Palmer and Rob Ciancamerla from within.
The Toronto agency did not previously employ a creative director. Michael Beckerman, president of Ariad, said his firm’s collaborative philosophy and strong recent growth allowed for the appointment of three senior staff in this capacity.
Woodley comes to Ariad after previously holding senior positions at agencies such as Launch Brand Marketing, where he served as associate creative director, and Segal Communications, where he was creative director.
“[Woodley] is channel-agnostic. He’s able to come in with the big idea and then, through working with our strategy team and technology team, figure out which channels are the best to communicate that idea,” said Beckerman. “He’s a big concept guy and he’s very fluent in the digital space as well.”
Beckerman said there would be no hierarchy among the three creative directors. Woodley, Palmer and Ciancamerla will share responsibilities.
Beckerman said increased business from its existing clients in the telecommunications, consumer packaged goods and business-to-business sectors, as well as new accounts such as Smart Car, have fuelled Ariad’s 20% increase in staff head count in the past 12 months. The firm now has more than 100 employees.
