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Business Wire
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Canadian Marketing Association Announces Two New Board Directors, Appoints Vice-Chair and Expands Affiliate Category
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--At its annual general meeting today, the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) announced the election of two new directors to its board, appointment of a new vice-chair and approval of updates to its bylaws to broaden individual participation in the CMA community. Joining the board is Susan Irving, chief marketing officer of Kruger Products and Bryan Kane, chief executive officer of FCB Canada. Their appointments further strengthen the board's breadth of experience across the marketing industry. Appointed to vice-chair of the board is Meghan Nameth, president and chief operating officer at Heads Up. 'Susan and Bryan are highly respected marketing leaders who bring valuable insights and deep experience to our board,' said Alan Depencier, SVP and chief marketing officer of commercial banking and insurance at RBC and chair of the CMA board. 'I look forward to working with them and our returning directors as we continue to support the advancement of marketing in Canada. I'm thrilled to be working closely with Meghan, now in the vice-chair role. The board will continue to benefit from her strong expertise, SME experience and over 25 years of success in the industry.' Irving brings more than two decades of marketing leadership with major global brands such as Warner Lambert, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. She has received numerous industry accolades, including CMA awards, Cassies, Cannes Lions, Cleos, Effies and Media Innovation Awards. She was named CMA Marketer of the Year in 2021 and received a 2025 Inspiring Women award from Campaign US. Irving is a member of the CMA's Media Council and a board member of Canadian Women & Sport and the Ontario Hockey Federation. Kane brings extensive agency leadership and digital innovation experience to the board. Prior to joining FCB, he served as president of Publicis Toronto and managing director of Publicis Modem Canada. He chaired the CMA's Creativity Council from 2021 to 2024 and has led FCB to multiple Agency of the Year awards. His work has helped drive results for brands such as BMO, Metro, Bombardier, Power Corporation, Mackenzie Financial and the Ontario Lottery Corporation. Nameth brings significant senior marketing experience gained from leading iconic brands in the consumer goods, financial services and retail space, including P&G, TD and Loblaw, in addition to SME experience. At the meeting, CMA members approved a bylaw amendment to introduce a new category of individual affiliate. The new category allows individuals who meet certain criteria — such as Chartered Marketers not employed by CMA member companies, marketers in transition or newcomers — to sign up as affiliates in order to participate in CMA activities, such as attending events and educational sessions at member rates and accessing resources. The complete list of board members for 2025-26 is: Alan Depencier (board chair), senior vice-president and chief marketing officer, commercial banking and insurance, RBC Meghan Nameth (vice-chair), president and chief operating officer, Heads Up Isaac Adejuwon, chief executive officer and founder, Metricsflow Brent Chaters, managing director, marketing transformation (Canada), Accenture Sophie Deschênes-Hébert, senior legal counsel, TELUS Jeff Greenspoon, chief global client officer and chief business officer, dentsu Susan Irving, chief marketing officer, Kruger Products Bilal Jaffery, senior partner, Blend360 Bryan Kane, chief executive officer, FCB Canada Devorah Lithwick, chief brand officer, Bell Canada Nicky Mezo, vice-president of marketing, everyday and small business banking, TD Laura Pearce, head of marketing, Google Canada John Peco, associate dean, school of marketing, George Brown College Jacquie Ryan, chief executive officer of the Canadian Olympic Foundation and chief brand and commercial officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee Eva Salem, senior vice-president, marketing and brand, Canadian Tire Evan Wood, executive vice-president and chief strategy officer, Environics Analytics 'This year's board appointments and the introduction of our new individual affiliate category reflect our continued focus on building a diverse, forward-looking and inclusive marketing community,' said Alison Simpson, president and chief executive officer of the CMA. 'We're committed to futureproofing the marketing profession and ensuring our community has opportunities to grow, connect and lead. Our talented board play a key role in our ability to deliver on this mandate and I'm excited for all we will accomplish together.' About the Canadian Marketing Association The CMA is the voice of marketing in Canada and our purpose is to champion marketing's powerful impact. We are the catalyst to help Canada's marketers thrive today, while building the marketing mindset and environment of tomorrow. We provide opportunities for our members from coast to coast to develop professionally, to contribute to marketing thought leadership, to build strong networks and to strengthen the regulatory climate for business success. Our Chartered Marketer (CM) designation signifies that recipients are highly qualified and up to date with best practices, as reflected in the Canadian Marketing Code of Ethics and Standards. We represent virtually all of Canada's major business sectors, and all marketing disciplines, channels and technologies. Our Consumer Centre helps Canadians better understand their rights and obligations. For more information, visit
Campaign ME
16-05-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
AKQA appoints Jon Holloway as Managing Director for the MENA region
Global brand experience design and marketing agency AKQA has appointed Jon Holloway as Managing Director for the Middle East and North Africa. With a global career spanning across the EMEA, APAC, and MENA regions, Holloway brings more than two decades of experience as a creative and strategic leader. Known for building empowered teams and delivering impactful work, Holloway has consistently led businesses and clients through transformation. His leadership has contributed to award-winning work recognised by Cannes Lions, D&AD, Effies and leading creative festivals worldwide. Based between the UAE and KSA, Holloway will aim to accelerate the agency's momentum in the region, partnering with ambitious brands to shape new experiences at the intersection of creativity, culture and emerging technology. Geoff Northcott, CEO of AKQA EMEA, said, 'Holloway brings a compelling blend of entrepreneurial spirit, creative leadership and regional expertise. His vision for harnessing AI and innovation in culturally resonant ways aligns perfectly with our ambitions for the Middle East. We're delighted to welcome him as we continue to grow our offering and expand our impact in MENA and beyond.' Holloway will collaborate closely with AKQA's global and regional leadership teams to deepen client partnerships, grow local talent, and continue evolving the agency's AI-powered creative model for the region. AKQA's location in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the agency's newest office spaces, providing a dedicated environment where clients and employees can collaborate closely. As the business continues to grow, Holloway plans to expand the studio's offerings and client base across the region. Reflecting on his appointment, Holloway said, 'It has been a career long dream to join AKQA. There is a rare energy here, a shared ambition to build something bold, culturally connected, and future-facing. Our KSA and UAE locations are already pushing creative boundaries with global and local clients.' Holloway is also an entrepreneur at heart, having founded and exited fintech ventures. A lifelong advocate for the power of innovation, Jon brings a unique perspective on emerging technologies, including AI and their ability to drive real-world, human-centered impact across clients and industries. 'I'm looking forward to shaping the next chapter in the region,' he added. Holloway's appointment signals AKQA's continued investment in the Middle East, solidifying its presence in the region and deepening partnerships with clients. His people-first leadership approach and passion for emerging and enduring technology will aim to accelerate the creative and commercial impact of AKQA's work.
Cision Canada
12-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Courage Inc. Brings Top Talent to Lead Expansion Français
TORONTO, May 12, 2025 /CNW/ - As it continues its unprecedented growth, Courage Inc. is expanding into Quebec with a full service Montreal office, spearheaded by Marilou Aubin, Partner and Executive Creative Director, Rafik Belmesk, Partner and Head of Strategy, and Maxime Sauté, Partner and Executive Creative Director. Shortly following Courage's third anniversary, the Montreal office fortifies a natural extension of the independent agency's existing Canadian offering, having already worked within the Quebec market for several foundational clients. "Montreal has always been a priority for our clients and for us," says Dhaval Bhatt, Founder and Co-CCO, Courage Inc. "We're so excited to have incredibly talented and awesome humans like Marilou, Rafik and Maxime join us in growing Courage in Quebec and beyond. Throughout our careers we've watched them do killer work, and can't wait to have them do the same for our clients." Previously Executive Creative Director and Partner at LG2, Marilou Aubin is an internationally recognized creative leader with more than 20 years of experience in the industry. Her curiosity and proactivity constantly push the boundaries of both creative approach and output. Marilou's work has a strong, lasting impact on many major brands and organisations in Quebec, whether it's winning market shares, changing perceptions or behaviors. As a role model for the advertising industry's up-and-coming talent, one of her biggest strengths is creating an inclusive and motivating creative culture, inspiring those she works with to build and foster the best work of their careers under her leadership. Rafik Belmesk has held strategic roles in brand, customer engagement, digital and social change across APAC and North America, most recently as Executive Vice President, Americas, and Chief Strategy Officer at Dentsu. Rafik's extensive experience working with brands, both in Canada and globally, has formed his unique expertise in helping advertisers find the right way to approach a market specific business challenge. In the last few years, he has applied his approach to local and international brands through his uncanny ability to get to the heart of a client's issue and reframe it as an opportunity. His work has been recognized at effectiveness and creative award shows both locally and internationally including Cannes Lions, Effies, D&AD and One Show. Following nearly a decade at indie creative agency Rethink, and most recently as Executive Creative Director at Dentsu, Maxime Sauté has consistently ranked amongst Canada's top creatives with numerous accolades from Cannes, D&AD, The One Show, Clio, Webby Awards, ADCC, Marketing Awards and Effies. His creative approach with some of the largest and best brands globally has helped them elevate their experience and identity through both his creative vision and strategic thinking. Maxime's work maintains a deep understanding of his client's business, always looking for ways to utilize and optimize his team's creative flow. "From the beginning, Maxime, Rafik and I felt true alignment to Courage's values and philosophy," says Marilou Aubin, Partner and Executive Creative Director, Courage Inc. "The arrival of Courage in Montreal will have a positive impact to the industry and market, and together, we are thrilled to bring our complimentary strengths to further elevate brands alongside fellow creatives and strategists." Courage has had significant growth with a string of recent wins for the independent agency, including RONA (for ROC), Sephora and Skip. Courage's continued growth has fueled the need for a greater national presence to fully serve their clients in all Canadian markets. Its Montreal office is based in the up-and-coming creative borough of Mile-Ex, a neighbourhood that is quickly becoming a new home for the creative industry in Quebec. About Courage Inc. Headquartered in Toronto, independent creative shop Courage Inc. has become one of the fastest-growing independent ad agencies in Canada's history. Founded in 2022, Courage has created internationally celebrated work for a number of iconic brands, including KFC, Nescafé, CIBC, and more. Through human-to-human connection and boundary-testing creativity, the agency's guiding mission is to help every partnering brand find their courage. SOURCE Courage Inc.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Meet the ad veteran with 'the best creative department in the world'
Advertising stalwart Jon Williams, CEO and founder of creative community The Liberty Guild, grew up in Stretford '50 doors down from Morrissey'. However, it is when Williams speaks about the impact of Tony Wilson, the late owner of Manchester's pioneering Factory Records, who gave creative talents the platform and freedom they didn't have previously on labels that resonates the most as a Mancunian and now entrepreneur. 'It was about doing things differently,' says Williams. The Liberty Guild, he says, is a beacon of hope in an otherwise drab agency landscape. A fully distributed international advertising agency, it has a global talent platform numbering 450 across nearly 30 countries after sourcing what Williams says is 'the best creative department in the world'. Read More: 'I would love everyone not be afraid to fail', says Numan CEO Williams has picked up a mountain of Cannes, D&AD and Effies awards over the years, having helped develop the first interactive TV ad, the first mobile-enabled posters, and created the iPint, a first in branded application for the iPhone. 'I love 'firsts', always been interested in the new and got bored with the status quo,' he says. 'At the time digital was fascinating and it allowed you to create an idea you could immerse yourself in, interact with and get under the skin of a brand platform.' Spooling back to Manchester, Williams recalls sharing accommodation in Wythenshawe with a jobless flatmate who returned home one day with a new Audi and a role in advertising. 'If he could do it, anyone can,' thought Williams. A product design degree at Sheffield Hallam University didn't yield early results for Williams, who began to ask himself, "What can I do to be the most creative I possibly can be and get paid well?" He was able to attend London's School of Communication Arts through some life insurance he received following his father's death. Williams, a Creative UK council member, is not short of ideas and it is an attribute he puts down to the influence of his teacher John Gillard. He says: 'He made you think about ideas differently. People fall in love with execution but that's not ideas.' His experiences of being able to afford the course is one of the reasons why Liberty Guild today supports D&AD's Shift school, which gives creators from minority backgrounds the chance to excel and work on the firm's client briefs. Read More: 'I couldn't find a babysitter so I set up a £10m childcare business' 'I am conscious of how hard it is for people to get into the business,' says Williams. 'There are many things that are wrong in what we do and many things we need to address.' He started this during the mid-2000s when he became chief creative officer at advertising giant Grey London and also helped build a 2000-strong pan-EMEA platform for its best talent. It was a transformation which also shaped Williams' understanding of how high-performance teams operate in a distributed way and without time limitations. When a client makes contact, The Liberty Guild opens up its platform to select the best specialists and creatives who match the brief. 'You don't get that in an agency where you will get whoever's free in a meeting on a Monday morning,' says Williams. 'With us, the client is involved in the choice.' The Drum, when awarding The Liberty Guild the Grand Prix for Business Transformation, described the firm as like an agency, but digitally transformed to be 'a creative business for our new world.' Williams also notes that his company doesn't track hours. He says: 'No one knows how long it takes to have a good idea. We put a structure in place to make sure we get good ideas but we pay creatives for these ideas, not the hours. Read More: 'CEOs must be seen on social media or face ghosting by Generation Z' 'It's amazing how fast you can be when you're not charging by the hour. There are some fundamentals which are wrong with the ad agency world, but at the heart there is rot. 'You put the value on the ideas and the entirety of the ad business is barking up the wrong tree by going for the hours.' He highlights a Times newspaper survey last month, which indicated that only 10% of Generation Z wants to work in the office full-time. 'That's pretty eye opening,' admits Williams. 'An answer? To work the way that people want to work. My clients don't care where the creatives are sitting, they care about the quality of work.' Read more: 'I went to a board meeting days after nearly dying but I soon saw my purpose' Meet the CEO responsible for selling London to the world 'Want to grow an iconic brand? CEOs have to value CMOs as servant leaders'Sign in to access your portfolio
Campaign ME
19-02-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Dubai Lynx names Chafic Haddad as 2025 Advertising Person of the Year
Dubai Lynx, MENA's leading platform for creative excellence and effectiveness, has named Chafic Haddad, Chief Creative Officer, VML MENA, as its 2025 Advertising Person of the Year. One of the most prestigious Awards at Dubai Lynx, the Advertising Person of the Year accolade celebrates an individual who has made a significant contribution to the MENA region's advertising industry over the past year. Commenting on the recognition, Philip Thomas, Chairman, Dubai Lynx, said, 'Chafic Haddad's impact on the advertising industry in MENA has been nothing short of extraordinary. His ability to drive creative innovation and effectiveness has not only elevated brands but also set new benchmarks for the industry. We are delighted to recognise his outstanding achievements and lasting influence with this accolade.' Ian Fairservice, Vice Chairman, Dubai Lynx, added, 'Chafic takes great pride in the work he and his teams have produced – not only the award-winning campaigns but the entire body of creative output. His approach ensures that the work is not only innovative and engaging but also delivers real scale and measurable impact for top clients. His creative vision consistently drives inspiring, unexpected, and meaningful campaigns that challenge expectations and leave a lasting impact. His passion and commitment to excellence make him a standout leader, and this honour is a reflection of his remarkable impact.' To date, Haddad remains one of the most awarded creatives in the MENA region. He was appointed Chief Creative Officer for VML MENA in January 2024, responsible for the agency's overall creative vision and reputation. Prior to that, he served as Chief Creative Officer of Wunderman Thompson MENA, working with some of the world's biggest brands. His move to JWT Dubai in 2004 as Executive Creative Director turned the Dubai office into one of the region's most awarded agencies for six consecutive years, winning more than 300 trophies at global and regional award shows such as Cannes Lions, Clio, D&AD, Dubai Lynx, Effies, LIA, NYF and One Show. In 2010, he went on to spearhead a major transformation at JWT Riyadh, leading a series of campaigns that helped JWT and VML KSA become the most awarded agency in Saudi Arabia. In 2023, he played a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia's first-ever Cannes Lions Grand Prix win. His many other notable accolades include JWT winning Agency of the Year in 2008 and being a key player in JWT MENA winning Network of the Year wins in 2010 and 2016 at Dubai Lynx. Reflecting on the award, Haddad said, 'It's truly an honour to be named Advertising Person of the Year. First and foremost, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who made this possible. It's a reflection of the brilliant people I've had the privilege of working with over the years; the clients, colleagues, partners who have all contributed to this journey, and all those who've supported me along the way. Finally, thank you to the industry for this recognition. There's still so much left to do, so many new stories to tell.' The presentation of the 2025 Dubai Lynx Advertising Person of the Year Award will take place during the Dubai Lynx Awards Ceremony at the Emirates Golf Club on Wednesday 9 April.
