Wieden+Kennedy promotes Christie and Andrews
Wieden+Kennedy today announced a series of promotions, including an addition to the company’s global management team.
“As we mark our 35th anniversary, we are deeply committed to growing opportunities for the second generation of this agency. We unveiled part of our plan last fall (naming new stakeholders) and follow that up now by elevating leadership at the global and office-management level across the network,” said Dave Luhr, president of Wieden+Kennedy.
Neil Christie, longtime managing director for W+K London, moves into the global role of chief operating officer, in which he will manage day-to-day operations of the W+K network. He’ll defend creativity while driving new business and managing global accounts, partnering with Chief Creative Officer Colleen DeCourcy, who continues to lead, push, and fortify the network’s creative output and talent. Christie will report to Luhr. Dan Wieden, founder, remains chairman of W+K.
“Neil exemplifies strong W+K business leadership. He knows great creative work and is never afraid to push for it internally or with clients. This relentless drive has powered W+K London to become globally recognised for great work and strong results for clients. I have no doubt he will apply the same drive and innovative thinking in his new global role,” commented Luhr.
Christie has been leading W+K’s London office for over a decade and was named a partner in 2011. Under his leadership, the office has created award-winning work for clients including Nike, Honda, and Arla, grown revenue 350%, and been consistently celebrated as one of the industry’s top shops in London. Most recently they were named Runner-Up Agency of the Year 2016 by Campaign, Agency of the Year 2016 by Creativepool, Agency of the Year 2015 by Shots magazine, Digital Agency of the Year 2015 at the Campaign Big Awards, and included in the 2017 Sunday Times’ Best Companies [to work for] listings.
“Wieden+Kennedy was founded to be a place where people could do the best work of their lives, and we have had a pretty good run with that so far. It’s an honor to help continue that legacy, and to define what that means for our people and clients globally as we look ahead to our future,” said Christie.
Helen Andrews, current deputy managing director of W+K London, has been promoted to managing director, filling the position vacated by Christie. Andrews will assume responsibility of running the office, alongside Executive Creative Directors Tony Davidson and Iain Tait.
Christie commented: “Helen has played a huge part in W+K London’s success over the last decade. This promotion is richly deserved and will be celebrated by all who are lucky enough to have worked with her. Helen will take W+K to the next level of success for its work, its clients, and its people.”
Andrews has been at W+K London for nearly nine years and in 2014 was promoted from director of account services to deputy managing director. She has run and grown accounts including Three and Lurpak, and recently led the successful pitches for T.K. Maxx and Sainsbury’s. In her new role she will report to Christie.