Columbus, Ohio-based marketing agency The Shipyard has hired Nigel Carr as Chief Strategy Officer.  

Carr is known for pioneering the strategic planning discipline at Chiat/Day, and Kirshenbaum, Bond & Partners. He joins from Tombras, where he served as Chief Strategy Officer for eight years and helped triple agency revenue. 

In addition to his agency work, Carr served on the advisory board for Nest, from launch to acquisition by Google for $3.2 billion in 2014, helping to design its brand identity as well as map its launch, product and communications efforts. Carr has won has won 12 Effies for advertising effectiveness.  

Carr will report to CEO Rick Milenthal and lead strategy, brand planning and insights for the agency. 

“We grow our client’s business with superior strategy and insights,” notes Milenthal. “And that is why we pursued the best strategic leader in our industry. Nigel is a tremendous talent, passionate about finding the differentiating white space for brands across practically every category.”  

The hire follows a strong year for The Shipyard, including AOR assignments for Prestige Consumer Healthcare (22 consumer brands), San Diego Zoo, American Freight, San Francisco Ballet, and Snowbird, a Utah ski resort. 

The agency has recorded 150% revenue growth in four years. 

Carr succeeds David Grzelak, a co-founding partner, who the agency said will continue to lead strategic growth initiatives for the agency.