J. Walter Thompson Canada has announced six new senior hires across multiple departments.
“These hires come as a result of continued growth,” said agency president and CEO Susan Kim-Kirkland, in a release. “The addition of new talent is always exciting and we’re thrilled to be able to attract some of the best in our industry.”
Ari Elkouby has been appointed vice-president, creative director. He joins the shop from Zulu Alpha Kilo, where he served as creative director. Prior to that, he held positions at both FCB and Proximity, where he helped create the acclaimed M&M’s “Find Red” campaign.
Yen Chu has been hired as creative director of design. Chu has more than 23 years of experience in the field and previously served as creative director at both Clear Space Design and Parcel Design.
Martin Lachance is filling the role of vice-president, experiential marketing. Lachance, who has more than 18 years of experiential and activation experience, spent the bulk of his career as a principal partner at Montreal-based Wasabi Atelier Experiential.
Rebecca Brown rounds out the creative hires, joining the team in the newly-created role of executive director, content marketing. Brown founded the Bunch Family, a website and event series for hipster parents, as well as its sister company, Rec Room Agency, which was acquired by Entrinsic Partners (now Engagement Labs) in 2013.
On the strategy side, Sarah Stringer, joins the shop as vice-president, strategic planning director. During her career Stringer has worked at KBS, Ogilvy & Mather and BBH NY in New York City, and on brands including Axe, BMO and Target.
Finally, Ian Westworth was hired as strategic planning director. Westworth brings more than 17 years of brand-building experience to JWT, and has worked at a number of agencies including BBDO, Grip, Leo Burnett and BBH New York.
