New Creative Talent for Saatchi & Saatchi LA
13 AUG 2007
Torrance, CA - In continued pursuit of groundbreaking ideas, Saatchi & Saatchi Los Angeles announced today it has added five leaders to its creative department. They're accomplished professionals with talents extending beyond traditional advertising, covering a diverse range of creative pursuits. The new hires range from a design expert to an award-winning director to a screenwriter to an artist.
"We're only as good as the people who work here. Our best ideas are proof that when you have diversity in talent, thinking, and skill-sets, you become an invaluable partner to your clients and offer more to the people you're trying to connect with," said Harvey Marco, Executive Creative Director, Saatchi & Saatchi LA. "It's all about being open-minded and collaborative. It's not a process, it's a cultural thing, and we're really excited about what these folks will bring to Saatchi LA."
Mike Barton has joined as Creative Director of the Design Communications Group to infuse his design expertise into content across all mediums. Most recently, Mike was Creative Director at Landor Associates where he oversaw creative for the Jaguar, Lincoln and Mercury brands. In addition to design, his experience covers television, architectural design, illustration, and packaging, in a wide range of industries. While working in Tokyo he co-created "America's Most Wanted." He has won numerous national and international awards.
Andrew Christou, an award-winning director, has joined as Creative Director on Toyota motorsports. Previously, he was with Moxie Pictures. Andrew has a wealth of sports experience, having shot spots for Nike, Reebok, and Fox Sports. He's SCCA certified in Formula open wheel racing. Andrew was introduced to the agency by writing and directing Toyota's innovative 15 episode mini-show "Jon & J.J. at the Line of Scrimmage," which aired on last season's NBC Sunday Night Football Halftime Show.
Leo Circo joins as Creative Director on Toyota national sales events from Young & Rubicam in Irvine.? Leo has experience in many industries, including toys, electronics, and automotive.? During his six years working with Mattel, he contributed new ideas to toy development in addition to his advertising responsibilities. Leo has won many industry awards.
Greg Wells is bringing his talents to the role of Creative Director on Toyota's youth brands and hybrid technology, Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD). He's a screenwriter who has penned a TV pilot and three feature film scripts. Greg is a former Olympic Development soccer player who's immersed in sports and youth trends. Most recently Greg was with Element 79 in Chicago. He has worked on brands such as Gatorade, Tabasco, Bacardi, and Saturn.
Peter Vattanatham joins as Senior Art Director from Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners, where he worked on brands including Mini and Converse shoes. Previous brand experience includes HP, Dr. Martens, and EA Sports. In addition to his advertising and design background, Peter is also an artist, illustrator and publisher.? His latest book is currently available through stockists including the SFMOMA, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Tate Modern in London.
Notes to editors
Saatchi & Saatchi LA's dream is to positively influence U.S. popular culture. Since its founding in 1975, the West Coast office of Saatchi & Saatchi has been creating world-famous creative ideas on behalf of its clients. In 2006, the agency's innovation played a vital role in Toyota's selection as Marketer of the Year by Advertising Age and BrandWeek and as Media Client of the Year by MediaPost. Saatchi & Saatchi LA is the agency of record for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., and it also serves Toyota Dealer Associations and Procter & Gamble. The LA office is the third largest in the global network of ideas company Saatchi & Saatchi, part of Publicis Groupe.
