DigitasLBi had two major announcements to make yesterday, both coming at a time when the agency is striving to transform its clients brands for the digital age. The first came in the form of David Carr, who has been appointed as the new strategy director for DigitasLBi at their London-based office. In his new role he will be responsible for developing and leading digital strategies for key clients. Carr previously worked for JWT as a digital strategy leader for Johnson & Johnson in EMEA and the Nordics. Carr (who will report to head of creative strategy Ed Beard in his new position) is an especially desirable new hire for the agency has it comes fresh from a Gold APG Award win for his work on the Benadryl Social Pollen Count mobile app. Carr was also named Google's 'Planning Innovator of the Year' for 2013 and has previously worked at Publicis Chemistry as head of digital, at Publicis Dialog and also for the British Army.
David Carr was named Google's 'Planning Innovator of the Year' in 2013
International chief strategy and insight officer for DigitasLBi, Fern Miller, believes that Carr is a “Great addition” to the team due to his passionate creative mind. She says he has a passion for creating “Useful and delightful work with the power to transform businesses,” and that he's a “Rare hybrid; a brand strategist with a user experience and design background who is capable of truly making brands live their promise through digital channels.” Carr himself says of the appointment that he feels the team at his new home have “An incredibly diverse range of skills, and a depth of experience and intelligence.” He is looking forward to exploring how they can most effectively use the agencies “Unique blend of strategy, creativity, media and technology” to help transform their clients' businesses.
The other big move, announced at DigitasLBi this week came at the Atlanta branch, where Carrie Philpott was promoted from SVP of account management to SVP managing director. In this new role she will drive the growth and development of the branch, whilst continuing her work with Delta Air Lines, whose account she has led across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. President of the DigitasLBi New York Region, Joanna Zaiac says that Philpott is a “Proven leader, with a track record for innovation and strong business results.” She also said that Philpott helped in establishing the Atlanta office itself and has played an “Instrumental role in the growth and success” of the agency. She “Can't wait to see what Carrie will accomplish next.”
Carrie Philpott was promoted to SVP managing director at DigitasLBi Atlanta
A respected thought leader in the industry, Philpott has been in the advertising game for 15 years now, and brings not only a vast amount of integrated marketing experience to her new role, but expertise across online and offline channels and customer relationship management. As well as her work with Delta Air Lines, Philpott also leads the agency's digital strategy work with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, which is one of the leading paediatric hospitals in America. She also provides guidance to junior-level employees as part of the DigitasLBi Mentor program.
Benjamin Hiorns is a freelance from Kidderminster in the UK who has never been poached by a gigantic adverting agency for his skills. But he can poach a mean egg!
