AUSTIN, Texas—May 15, 2014—GSD&M announced today that Lara Bridger, Ryan Carroll, Scott Brewer, Bill Bayne, Bill Marceau and Gene Brenek have all been promoted to group creative director. This announcement also marks the first time since summer 2012 that the agency has promoted to the group creative director level.
“The promotion of these six people further represents the agency’s commitment to big ideas and smart leadership” said Jay Russell, chief creative officer of GSD&M. “Each have a unique set of skills and expertise to provide the drive needed to create award-winning work for our clients.”
A poet turned creative director, Lara Bridger has lent her thoughtful perspective and prowess for solving business problems to several pieces of business, including Marshall’s, Hallmark and John Deere, in her six years at GSD&M. Her work on Marshall’s holiday “Share a Carol” effort was lauded by trade press and led to an 8% increase in sales over the 2011 holiday season for Marshall’s, TJ Maxx and Homegoods. As group creative director, Bridger will lead the creative teams working on the agency’s Southwest Airlines and Zales accounts.
As a copywriter, Ryan Carroll has worked on some of the agency’s most iconic brands like BMW, Southwest Airlines, the U.S. Air Force, Pacifico and RadioShack. He uses a strategic approach to find compelling, simple solutions to clients’ problems. Carroll was part of the team that created RadioShack’s award-winning 2014 Super Bowl spot, which was named a USA Today Super Bowl Ad Meter winner and led to a 7% increase in the brand’s stock price within 24 hours.
Scott Brewer began his career in advertising as an intern at GSD&M and returned to the agency full time in 2006. Since then, he has built a reputation for building brands using a keen eye for art direction in both digital and traditional media. Brewer has created and managed critically acclaimed campaigns for clients such as the U.S. Air Force and RadioShack. Along with Ryan Carroll, he was part of the team that created RadioShack’s 2014 Super Bowl spot.
A Tennessee native, Bill Bayne is on his second stint at GSD&M and his characteristic boldness inspires clients and creative teams to produce industry recognized work. His GSD&M account experience includes Southwest Airlines, AT&T, the American Legacy Foundation as well as oversees creative efforts for GSD&M Presents, the agency’s cultural fluency entity. Bayne is also part of the team bringing the year-long “Nonstop Love” campaign to Dallas, celebrating the end of the Wright Amendment and Southwest Airlines’ freedom to fly nonstop from its hometown.
Bill Marceau’s keen art direction ability and unique perspective make him a valuable asset to any client team. His brand experience at GSD&M includes BMW and Southwest Airlines, and he also oversees the agency’s internal and SXSW creative efforts. He was part of the pitch team that brought in the Walgreens business to GSD&M. Along with Bill Bayne, Marceau works the agency’s Caesar’s Entertainment portfolio of brands, Austin City Limits and GSD&M Presents creative and production efforts.
With 21 years experience under his belt at GSD&M, Gene Brenek has led creative efforts for successful campaigns on AARP, AT&T, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Texas Tourism and Zales. He understands the value of a big, simple idea—he was part of the team that created “Wanna Get Away,” one of the most memorable campaigns in Southwest Airlines history. Currently, Brenek stewards creative on the AT&T, Seton, Lennox, Lee and Stainmaster accounts.
About GSD&M
GSD&M is an advertising agency headquartered in Austin and focused on ideas that make a difference. With a restless culture and purpose as a guiding force, GSD&M builds brands with an integrated creative and media approach. GSD&M is part of Omnicom Group, Inc. (NYSE:OMC). For more information, go to GSDM.com.
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