davidcolsen@gmail.com
336.402.9750
EXPERIENCE
EVP, Executive Creative Director / Mythic
April 2019 – Present
Clients: Ally, American Standard, Archery Trade Association, CARSTAR, Charlotte Ballet, Cone Health, Cotton Incorporated, Central Piedmont Community College, Daimler Truck, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, Goodwill, Ironman Tires, Maaco, Meineke, MetLife, New Holland, Spectrum, Trane, Wilmington & Beaches
Part of the Executive Leadership Team responsible for day-to-day operations, talent planning, agency culture, growth initiatives, new business, technology advancements, and long-term agency vision. Recognized as one of Adweek's Fastest Growing Agencies. Oversee the creative department, production studio, and project management team on a daily basis. Responsible for the overall creation, innovation, and integrity of the work. Lead, mentor, and inspire 30+ creators in developing and executing compelling solutions to marketing challenges for all clients.
Creative Director, Writer / Freelance
2018 – 2019
Created ideas to engage consumers, build brands, and win business.
Agencies: Ogilvy, Bernstein-Rein, Truth Collective, OKRP, Broadhead HMH, Mythic
SVP, Group Creative Director / MullenLowe U.S.
2015 – 2018
Clients: Alzheimer’s Association, Food Lion, New Holland, USAA, Youfit Health Clubs
Responsible for the overall vision, creation, and integrity of the work across multiple accounts. Led, mentored, and inspired an integrated team of creators in developing and executing compelling solutions to marketing challenges. Having been personally affected by Alzheimer’s, I initiated and led a pro bono effort to raise awareness of the disease that garnered over 786 million media impressions worth $27.5 million in earned media and was one of Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas. Launched an environmentally-themed campaign for New Holland that was adopted globally. Created an iconic brand character for Food Lion that helped turn declining same store sales around to +4% average in over 1,100 grocery stores.
SVP, Group Creative Director / Mullen
2007 – 2015
Clients: Dickies, Extended Stay Hotels, Food Lion, Krispy Kreme, Kumon, Men's Wearhouse, Midnight Moon Moonshine, New Holland, Pep Boys, Sprout, T.J. Maxx, Wachovia
Discovered that I enjoy fostering talent and a collaborative culture as much as ideas. Simultaneously led integrated communications for two major retail brands (Food Lion and Pep Boys) spanning TV, radio, social, digital, experiential, outdoor, CRM, email, and in-store. Created an authentic brand purpose for Men’s Wearhouse, Pep Boys and Food Lion so they stood for more than just a discount. Developed Sprout’s brand awareness campaign that contributed to the highest ratings growth across all kids’ TV networks for 16 consecutive months. Played a pivotal role in new business wins for Dickies, Food Lion, Kumon, New Holland, and Pep Boys while earning an SVP, Group Creative Director title.
VP, Associate Creative Director / LOWE New York
2000 – 2007
Clients: Big Brothers Big Sisters, Century 21, Electrolux, GMC, Gorton's, Got Milk?, Heineken, HSBC, LEGO, Perdue, Ricoh, Sprite, Valvoline, Verizon
Went from copywriter to associate creative director, learning a lot about craft, managing clients, and how award-winning work can drive business results. Led Big Brothers Big Sisters, Gorton’s, and Ricoh while contributing work on multiple agency accounts. Pitched and won the Ricoh business and led global creative from New York to Tokyo. Created a Big Brothers Big Sisters gold Effie-winning campaign that increased mentoring applications 600% and was a Forbes Top 10 charity pick. As a former fishing boat first mate, I was honored to be entrusted to brand steward the iconic Gorton’s fisherman.
Copywriter / Ammirati Puris Lintas
1998 – 1999
Client: Burger King
Produced a bevy of Burger King sports marketing TV and radio commercials with college football coaches, NASCAR drivers, NFL, NHL, MLB and NBA players.
SKILLS
Creative Leadership, Brand Strategy, Concept Development, Copywriting, Content Creation, Integrated Marketing, Witty Banter
RECOGNITION
Fast Company's World Changing Ideas, Cannes Lions, Clio, Effie, Shorty, ADDY, OBIE, ANA B2, London International, NY Festivals, Communication Arts, Lürzer’s Archive, Graphis, PRINT, Adweek, Ad Age Creativity, The Drum, Ads of the World, AdForum, Bestads, LBBonline, SHOOT, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, The Tonight Show
EDUCATION
Syracuse University | B.S. TV, Radio & Film / B.S. Marketing
School of Visual Arts
Adhouse
References available upon request.