CAA Marketing, the marketing division of the Creative Artists Agency (one of Hollywood's top talent agencies), has hired former Ogilvy & Mather Paris executive director and creative director Fred Levron to fill the same role at their Los Angeles office. Whilst at O&M Paris, Levron worked with blue-chip clients such as Coca-Cola, Louis Vuitton, Ford, Perrier, Vittel, Mondelez and Mattel, amongst others, and his 15-year career in marketing has seen him scoop over 70 industry awards; from Cannes Lions and CLIOs, to Webbys and New York Festival awards.
Whilst at O&M Paris, Levron worked with blue-chip clients such as Coca-Cola, Louis Vuitton, Ford, Perrier, Vittel, Mondelez and Mattel, amongst others
In his new role, Levron will be advising some of CAA's biggest clients, which includes General Motors, QVC, Fender, Diageo, Southwest Airlines and Coca-Cola, a company with which Levron already has valuable experience. Jae Goodman, co-chief creative officer and co-head of CAA Marketing, said they have been “Fan's of Fred's work” and his “World-class creativity and creative leadership for years.” What really made CAA “Fall in love with the idea of working with him” though, is “How thoughtful and articulate he is about the way brands need to operate in popular culture today.” Levron himself, who will be relocating from Paris to LA for the gig, said “CAA Marketing has a unique approach to building next-generation communication platforms,” and he is “Grateful to be part of this unique group of people who are doing disruptive and highly distinguished creative work.”
“The Scarecrow” by CAA Marketing by Chipotle Mexican Grill
Recently, the agency's “The Scarecrow” animated short film (above) and companion mobile game for Chipotle Mexican Grill swept the industry awards circuit, with two Cannes Lions Grand prix awards, two Creative Arts Emmys, five Webbys, and a CLIO award to its name, so Levron certainly has his work cut out for him if he wants to top that! The agency has also recently been using its connections to the entertainment industry to create unique marketing opportunities, including branded Sundance film selections and a live interactive Hulu show for Microsoft's Bing.
Recently, the agency's “The Scarecrow” animated short film and companion mobile game for Chipotle Mexican Grill swept the industry awards circuit
In related news, CAA Marketing's parent company was recently acquired by private equity firm TPG in a move that has sent ripples through Hollywood. TPG's majority stake in the company (which is thought to have involved a $225 million equity infusion and took the firm's stake in the agency from 35% to 53%) will not be affecting the management of the agency, which will continue to be run by top partners Bryan Lourd, Kevin Huvane, president Richard Lovett and David O'Connor, who between them represent A-list stars such as Tom Cruise, Scarlett Johansson, Will Smith and Jennifer Lawrence. The sale is partly thought to be a response to rival agency WME's expansion since its acquisition of IMG in May.
Benjamin Hiorns is a freelance writer and musician from Kidderminster in the UK who eat at a Chipotle restaurant in London once and fell in love with their guacamole and shredded beef.
