Image.jpg

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