Bensimon Byrne, one of Canada’s largest independent marketing and advertising agencies, is on a hiring spree to help support growth at some of its largest and most loyal clients.
“We don’t grow unless our clients grow,” said Joseph Bonnici, partner and executive creative director at Bensimon Byrne. “That has been the foundation of the agency’s growth now for 20 years.”
The agency’s newest members include Erin O’Connor (pictured above) in the position of vice-president, group account director. O’Connor came from Cossette, where she worked on accounts such as General Mills Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee & Canadian Olympic Foundation and PwC. She will have oversight of the Scotiabank account, including its global wealth and business banking accounts, Bonnici said — new business recently given to the agency.
Lisa Good (right) joined in the role of vice-president group account director and lead for the North American account for Mattamy Homes. Good came from Grip Ltd., where she worked with clients such as RBC and Honda. Bonnici said her mandate is to continue the growth of the Mattamy brand, which is rapidly expanding in the U.S.
After about a year freelancing on and off for Benison Byrne, Debra Kavchak-Taylor has been hired full-time as lead strategist. Bonnici said Kavchak-Taylor has extensive experience in market research and insights, including years of work on the client side, which provides invaluable insight for the agency. In her career to date, Kavchak-Taylor has worked with brands such as Levis. Molson and Coors Light.
Bensimon Byrne also recently promoted five-time Cannes Lion-winner Dan Strasser to the position of creative director. Strasser has worked on accounts such as Budweiser, Ikea and Volkswagen in his career to date. He joined the agency in 2012.
Bonnici described Strasser as having an “incredible creative pedigree. He’s been a big part of the agency’s growth over the last two years.”
Earlier this year, Bensimon Byrne expanded its digital and user experience capabilities with a senior hire and a promotion on its technology team. Eugene Andruszczenko was hired as director of technology, while Phill Dodd was promoted to director of user experience.
Bonnici said the agency is planning to hire more people in the months ahead in less senior roles, including project managers, data people and digital experts. Bensimon Byrne has close to 200 employees today.
“There will be more hiring for sure in the future,” Bonnici said.
