Wieden+Kennedy London hires new chief strategy officer

Creative agency Wieden+Kennedy London has appointed Ben Armistead as its new chief strategy officer.

Armistead has extensive senior planning experience at a number of agencies, including 180 Amsterdam, Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam and DARE. He joins Wieden+Kennedy London from Grey Group Spain, where he also held the chief strategy officer position.

“I’ve always loved an adventure and I’ve been lucky to spend the best part of the last decade leading agencies in different countries and cultures, gaining a truly global sense of our industry,” Armistead said.

“I can honestly say there’s only one challenge that could’ve tempted me back onto the London Underground. W+K’s independence, unflinching commitment to creativity, and the courage of the clients it attracts make it a unique place. In every sense, I am delighted to be coming home.”

Armistead has won a number of awards for work with brands including Nike, Coco-Cola Company, EA Sports and Heineken.

Wieden+Kennedy London’s managing director, Helen Andrews, said she is “super excited” by the news.

“We believe his experience will prove invaluable as we continue to steer the good ship W+K London into exciting new places, and it’s clear Ben is also a thoroughly lovely person to have onboard as we do so.”

Wieden+Kennedy London’s clients include Bud Light, Honda and Sainsburys; Armistead will commence his new role at the agency at the end of October.