Tillamook sets creative review 

Farmer-owned dairy co-op Tillamook put its creative account into review, Ad Age has learned. 72andSunny, which has held the account since 2014, declined to participate.

“Tillamook is the first client where we presented a brand idea and the CEO said, ‘We're not this company yet, but I want us to be it. Give me a year,'” the agency said in a statement. Patrick Criteser, president and CEO of Tillamook, “reset how the company was making products through the line so they could ensure they were 'Dairy Done Right'. Patrick is a visionary who has truly transformed Tillamook and we're grateful to have been his partner on the journey. We are so proud of the work we've done together."

Ark Advisors is believed to be the consultant on the review.

Sid Lee launches online shop

Sid Lee is launching its own online streetwear shop that includes an archive of the company’s merch launches over the past 15 years, according to Marie-Christine Chamberland, the agency’s director, cultural and internal communications.

The online shop also includes the inaugural launch of the agency’s first buyable collection called “Ad wear,” designed by the agency’s employees that live in Montreal, Toronto, and Los Angeles. The collection is inspired by the specific language used in the industry and includes a tote bag and four different shirts with common agency sayings in both English and French.

“Through the years we’ve ended up with our very own craft beers, employee podcasts, wine groups, honey jars and believe it or not, even more,” Chamberland said in a statement. “Our extracurricular activities just had to be immortalized somehow, and, as designers to the core, it tended to be through merch.”

Sid Lee plans on working with local artists outside of the agency for its future collections.

IPG responds to California shootings

Interpublic Group of Cos. made a donation to the Asian Pacific Community Fund following two mass shootings in California last week that involved members of the Asian community.

“The devastating news from Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay reminds us once again of the horrific impact that hatred, violence and mental health issues can have across any and all of our communities,” CEO Phillippe Krakowsky said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to all of those impacted and to the broader (AAPI) community, whose Lunar New Year celebrations and sense of safety have been marred by these tragic events.”

McKinney acquires August United

McKinney acquired influencer marketing agency August United from Audacious Studios. The Phoenix-based company's clients include Microsoft, Samsung, Nestle, Sam’s Club, Petsmart and P.F. Chang’s. As part of the deal, McKinney will also acquire the performance media arm of Audacious Studios, called Tailwind. 

Influencer marketing was a $16.4 billion industry in 2022, according to McKinney, and was critical in reaching Gen Z and millennial consumers. Both acquisitions will bolster McKinney’s existing social and performance marketing services at a time when time spent with user-generated content has accelerated, according to McKinney CEO Joe Maglio.

“Influencers are at the core of that growth, and as a result influencer marketing is becoming a more integral part of our clients’ marketing plans,” Maglio said in a statement. “Micro and mid-tier influencers in particular—August United’s focus area—have been shown to drive significant engagement and impact purchase decisions, and I’m excited to bring this expertise to our client partners.”

The Variable celebrates honor with cheeky video

The Variable, a Winston-Salem, North Carolina-based -based ad agency, landed ninth this year on Ad Age’s Best Places to Work list for agencies with fewer than 200 employees—and they’re celebrating with a cheeky video. The video, which opens with a title card and vintage-feeling VHS-like artifacts, follows The Variable CEO David Mullen as he walks through the agency’s office and lists all the great things about working there. 

But in the background of Mullen’s tour and amid his talk about generous PTO and parental leave benefits, it becomes clear the employees are anything but happy about being there. As Mullen says, “Our people love us,” the viewer can see a gaggle of employees behind him banging on office windows with signs that read, “It’s a trap!” and “Send help!” 

The video can be found on a microsite The Variable created to celebrate the victory that reads “We Give a Shit (And That Makes a Difference).” The site then lists the agency’s employee benefits and links to open positions.

Saatchi & Saatchi appoints new chief executive

Saatchi & Saatchi named James Denton-Clark its new CEO. Denton-Clark takes over as Chris Kay, who joined in November 2021, departs the London agency and heads back to his native Sydney in July. 

Denton-Clark joins from Accenture Song, where he was creative agency CEO and CEO of Karmarama. 

Saatchi saw nine new business wins in 2022, including Churchill and Subway, and just won the global account for wealth and asset management company ALTI. “As far back as I can remember I always wanted to be at Saatchi’s,” Denton-Clark said in a statement. “They’re the original creative entrepreneurs. There's magic there that endures, and is still there in spades today.”

Just briefly

Monica Little, the founder of the 44-year-old Minneapolis agency Little & Co., sold her agency to Joe Cecere, who serves as CEO and chief creative officer and previously co-owned the business with her. The design-led brand agency has worked with clients including General Mills, PepsiCo, Lagunitas Brewing Co., Pacific Foods, and Bremer Bank.

The Next Practices Group named former Omnicom and Ketchum executive David Gallagher global CEO, purpose and managing partner of NPG. The appointment facilitates the agency’s global expansion and the creation of a global purpose-resilience-impact offering. 

Independent creative agency Two by Four appointed Tim Mauery to the newly created role of director of client relationships. Mauery is charged with continuing the agency's reputation as a long-term partner to clients by encouraging account teams to foster deep client relationships. 

Link Agency brought on Frederico Lopes as its first chief operating officer. Lopes spent five years at Boston Consulting Group, pausing halfway through his tenure to get his MBA from Columbia Business School. 

Dentsu Health appointed Eduardo Tavares as executive creative director, charged with merging data and technology with creative campaigns for Dentsu Health clients across the health and wellness and pharmaceutical sectors. Tavares joins from Area 23, where he was senior VP group creative director for craft and design, and worked across agency clients such as GSK, Lilly, Boehringer Ingelheim, Horizon and Novartis.  

Austin-based agency Callen has hired Amy Kommatas as its first head of production. Kommatas, who previously held production roles at Mother and Squarespace, will help with the launch of Callen’s latest product, Bijan Mustardson, an original brand of mustard created in partnership with University of Texas running back Bijan Robinson.

The 4A’s has appointed Ann Rubin as its new executive VP, marketing communications and events. She is replacing Tamiko Evans, who served as a senior VP and is no longer with the organization.