Lowe Roche has changed some roles in its creative department following the departure of former group creative director Sean Ohlenkamp, who became digital creative director at Leo Burnett in September.
At Lowe Roche, Ohlenkamp was part of a creative triumvirate with Jane Murray and Mark Mason, who arrived as group creative director from TBWA\Chiat Day in November 2012. Murray and Mason were named co-creative directors following Ohlenkamp’s departure.
Ohlenkamp had previously provided creative oversight for Lowe Roche’s digital work, and CEO Monica Ruffo said she is still considering how the agency will handle digital creative direction going forward. For now it has been folded into Murray and Mason’s responsibilities.
“We haven’t quite figured that out yet, but from a client perspective it’s been seamless,” said Ruffo. “We’re not looking for a third creative director – we’re just going to figure out how we handle digital moving forward.”
Ruffo said she plans to make a digital hire, although it won’t be in a CD-type role. “We’re still kind of looking at that, but the people who do the [digital] work are doing the work,” she said. “We’re not lacking anyone, so we’re going to take our time and figure out what the best fit will be.”
Lowe Roche has also promoted Marie-Lise Campeau to managing director, charged with operational oversight of the agency. Campeau has been with the agency for two years as senior vice-president, client management.
“She’s perfectly suited to it,” said Ruffo. “She’s got 22 years of experience, with solid client management [skills]. Our clients love her, so she’s the obvious person to be doing this.”
Lowe Roche has more than doubled its client roster in the past two years, and has recently picked up several new assignments in competitive reviews. Account wins include the National Film Board, Ontario College of Teachers, Canadian Hunger Foundation and the Arthritis Research Foundation.
It also landed the assignment for Treasury Wine Estates, a global winemaking and distribution business headquartered in Australia that is a leading distributor of new world wines. Its portfolio features Australian brands including Lindeman’s and Wolf Blass, as well as California brand Beringer Vineyards.
