JWT Pumps Up Its Creative Team, New Chief, Promotions And Hires

BY: 

Dave Forde
April 18, 2016

JWT Creative Group Portrait FinalJ. Walter Thompson Canada (JWT) has announced today that Ryan Spelliscy,  SVP, Executive Creative Director, has been promoted to Chief Creative Officer (CCO) for J. Walter Thompson, Toronto.  In this new role, Ryan will expand his responsibilities, as well the creative team that reports to him. He joined the agency back in 2013 and has become an integral part of the agency’s team in just under three years, Spelliscy’s become an integral member of the team, transforming the agency into one of the top performing in the country, as well as in the J. Walter Thompson
network.
To support the agency’s growth, the creative team has brought on board David Federico and Josh Budd as SVP Creative Directors, Laurent Abesdris as Associate Creative Director, Lisa McCoy as Design Director, and it’s pleased to announce the promotion of Rasna Jaswal to Design Director and Denise Cole to Associate Creative Director.

David and Josh will lead the Air Canada business, among others, at JWT Canada. They join the agency from Leo Burnett where they led the TD Bank business. The duo has received recognition for their work both nationally and internationally with creative awards,effectiveness awards and have been key players on multiple new business pitches.

Laurent Abesdris joins the team as Associate Creative Director, having previously worked at some of Canada’s most renowned agencies including Taxi, TBWA/Juniper Park and Sid Lee where he created award-wining work for brands like McDonald’s, Frito-Lay, Coca-Cola, GM and
Mondelez. In his role, Laurent will take a leadership role on Hotels.com among others.

Lisa McCoy has also joined the agency’s design team. As a Design Director, she will work on all client business and collaborate with the creative and account management teams.  Lisa has over 15-years experience working at some of the country’s top design and advertising agencies including Blammo Worldwide, Watt International and most recently her own partnership at Transcend3.

Rasna Jaswal has been promoted to Design Director and will continue to work on all agency client’s business.  Over the past two years as a Senior Designer, Rasna has worked on campaign branding for Motrin, Toronto PFlag and re-branding of Air Canada Rouge. She’s proved to be a key member of the team and has led the design of Air Canada’s brand identity. The agency is also pleased to announce the promotion of Denise Cole to Associate Creative Director. Denise will work closely with Laurent to lead the Hotels.com business and take on more leadership roles within the agency. As an Art Director for nearly three years with the agency, Cole has worked on clients like Walmart, Tim Hortons and Nike. She also created award-winning work for brands like SickKids and the Alzheimer Society of Toronto.


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Dave Forde


Dave “The Connector” Forde has been involved in the marketing, public relations and technology industry across Canada for over 20 years in various sales and marketing roles, he launched The Connected One network of business sites which connects buyers to the right sellers. Profectio and PR In Canada covers news about the marketing and public relations industry each day helping professionals advance their career and businesses. He also serves as an advisor to a number of businesses across the country. Find Dave on LinkedIn and Twitter.


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