• by Fern Siegel , Yesterday

Brian Tilson has left Wieden+Kennedy to become Tombras' first chief operating officer.

Previously president of W+K, APAC, his new role expands the C-suite for the Knoxville, Tennessee-based agency. 

During his 16 years at W+K, Tilson ran W+K Shanghai and helped shaped the agency's presence in the region. His career has included working with Nike, Apple, Target, BMW and Ikea.

At Tombras, his remit is to guide global strategy and expansion, as well as financial analysis to support agency growth. Given that, he will divide his time between Knoxville and the New York offices. Tilson is based in New York.

Dooley Tombras, president, Tombras, said: “Finding someone who gets both the spirit of Knoxville and the pace of a global independent agency doesn’t happen often. Bryan’s global experience comes at the perfect time as Tombras enters our most ambitious chapter. He’s going to make a huge impact on our team and where we’re headed.”

Tilson added: “The agency is on an extraordinary trajectory, forging its own path, and I’m excited to help strengthen its operational excellence and lead it into the future.”

In addition to Knoxville and New York, the agency has offices in Washington D.C., Atlanta, Charlotte and Nashville. Creative work includes Arby's, Sweethearts and Ricola.