W+K Aims For Consistent Global Production Processes

Wieden + Kennedy hopes to establish consistent global production processes across the W+K network with the addition of a new executive and the promotion of another.

W+K has hired Kristopher Hanson as executive interactive producer. Hanson joins the Portland-based agency from Crispin Porter + Bogusky in Boulder, Colo., where he was senior integrated producer on the Volkswagen interactive account.

Hanson will be working closely with Marcelino Alvarez, who was promoted to co-executive interactive producer. Together, they will work with Director of Creative Technology Jordi Martinez to develop W+K's interactive production capabilities and to make those resources globally accessible.

"These moves are part of W+K's comprehensive local and global interactive vision," said Renny Gleeson, W+K's director of digital strategies, in a statement. "Marcelino's promotion is a reflection of his success in not only focusing Portland's efforts but also refining our overall interactive process. Kristopher will be instrumental in connecting and best leveraging our interactive centers of expertise network-wide."

Prior to joining W+K, Alvarez worked in Crispin Porter + Bogusky's Miami office, where he produced integrated interactive campaigns for clients such as MINI USA, VW and Slim Jim. He also produced campaigns for Virgin Atlantic, Coke Zero, Burger King and Shimano.

Hanson's 10 years of experience in the ad industry have included work for MRM Worldwide, Wunderman (Y&R Brands) and Modem Media, with clients such as JCPenney, AT&T, United States Postal Service, 3M, Lego, John Hancock, Sallie Mae, AOL, Citibank, Pfizer, Toyota, The Wall Street Journal, Intel and VW.

At the beginning of the year, W+K conducted a major executive restructuring at its headquarters, with its principal executives--Dan Wieden, Dave Luhr, and John Jay--relinquishing their day-to-day responsibilities to focus on the agency's global operations.

In their places, Tom Blessington came on as managing director, while Jelly Helm and Steve Luker assumed the roles of creative directors for all of the agency's Portland accounts.

As a member of the global management team, John Jay now helps manage the agency's global business, with a specific focus on Asia.

Blessington rejoined W + K in September 2006 after spending four years as managing director for TBWAChiatDay's Nissan and Infiniti automotive accounts. Blessington's first tenure with W + K began in 1990, after which time he focused on the Nike account, as well as Miller Brewing and Coca-Cola.

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