Start with strategy. Follow the insight. Make work that matters.
I make creative that doesn’t feel like advertising and strategy that doesn’t feel like a slide deck. Over the past 15 years, I’ve led work that connects creativity to real business outcomes.
Whether through Super Bowl campaigns for Avocados from Mexico, global brand launches for Orbit Gum, or new business wins like Maker’s Mark and Southwest Airlines, I believe the most powerful ideas come from strong strategic thinking, close collaboration, and a deep understanding of culture.
My work has been recognized at every major industry show, including Cannes Lions, D&AD, One Show, Clio and Effies. In 2022, I was ranked the #49 Creative Director in the world by D&AD.
I believe the best creative doesn’t behave like advertising. It thinks before it speaks. It makes you feel something. And when it’s done right, it works.
Career Highlights:
2x Super Bowl Ads
•Awards across every major show (Cannes, D&AD, One Show, Clio, Effies)
Ranked #49 Creative Director globally by D&AD (2022)
• Global and national brand leadership experience
Notable New Business Wins: Maker’s Mark, Southwest Airlines, Brown-Forman, Avocado From Mexico
Contact
email: hansel@whereisgretel.com
Awards & Press
D&AD • 1 Yellow Pencil, 1 Graphite Pencil, 2 Wood Pencils, 1 Shortlist
Cannes Lions • 3 Bronze, 2 Shortlist
One Show • 1 Gold Pencil, 1 Silver Pencil, 2 Bronze Pencil, 2 Merit, 8 Shortlists
Clios • 1 Silver, 3 Bronze, 1 Shortlist
Effie • 1 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze, 1 Finalist
New York Festivals • 2 Bronze
1x Lurzer’s Archive Selection
2x Comm Arts Award of Excellence
1x Radio Mercury Award Most Innovative Use of Radio
3x Adweek Ad of the Day
1x NYC Poster House Gallery Exhibit
Work Experience
Leo Burnett Chicago • 10/22 - Present
Energy BBDO Chicago • 10/14 - 10/22
BBDO Shanghai China • Summer 2019
DDB Chicago • 02/14 - 09/14
Freelance Art Director Chicago • 05/12 - 01/14
Doner Detroit • 03/11 - 04/12
Y&R/Bravo Group Chicago • 07/09 - 02/11
Clients
American Egg Board, Avocados From Mexico, Alka-Seltzer Plus, Bayer Aspirin, Budlight, Chicago Bears, Claritin, Dunkin, Dr. Scholls, Extra Gum, Fiat, Firestone, Five Gum, Frito Lay, Grainger, Harman/Kardon, JBL, Jello, Kohler, Knob Creek, Maker’s Mark, Minute Maid, Orbit Gum, Old Forester, Phillips’ Laxative, Sandals Resorts, Simply Orange, Quaker, Raid, Safeway, Sears, Sonoma-Cutrer
Education
Miami Ad School Art Direction • 2007 - 2009
Florida International University Mass Communications • 2001 - 2006