• by Steve McClellan  @mp_mcclellan, February 17, 2023

WPP’s Wunderman Thompson North America has appointed Ellie Bamford Chief Strategy Officer. She will report to NA CEO Audrey Melofchik and Neil Dawson, the agency’s Global Chief Strategy Officer. 

Bamford joins WT from IPG’s R/GA where she was Global Head of Media, Connections and Influence. Over her 20+ year career, she has created award winning work for Pepsi, Nike, FILA, Uber, Rockstar Games, Samsung, Spotify, Sephora, American Express and more. 

Melofchik stated, "Ellie's ability to think about ideas and channels fluidly is perfect for our ambidextrous skill set at Wunderman Thompson. She has a deep expertise of the ever-changing media landscape coupled with a sharp eye for insights, strategy, and a love of creativity.” 

Asa member of the LGBTQIA community, Bamford is known for pushing change and ensuring diversity within her teams and the work they create. She’s credited with helping change Sephora’s approach to search, to push discovery of Black Beauty content and brands and shine a light on bias. This work for Sephora led to Silver Cannes Lion among other awards. 

She has served as a judge for Cannes Lions, Young Lions and was appointed Jury Chair for the Clios in 2023. 

Since her appointment as NA CEO of Wunderman Thompson in December 2021, Melofchik has shaped her own leadership team which includes Chief Creative Officer Tom Murphy, New York CEO Sasan Saedi, Chief Experience Officer Preeya Vyas, Global Head of Design, Josh Loebner, Chief Growth Officer, Laura Cona, Chief Client Officer, Carrie Philpott and most recently Global Chief Creative Officer of Wunderman Thompson Health, Renata Maia.