About
Darren, a digital native, has carved a distinguished career in top-tier agencies globally. His journey began as a software engineer in the late 1990s, quickly transitioning into the digital realm. He made a significant impact by authoring two books on an Adobe product and contributing over 100 articles to the print edition of Web Designer magazine.
His international experience across numerous countries and agencies has honed Darren's versatility in various environments. His expertise extends from specialized Digital agencies like R/GA and Isobar to integrated agencies such as BBDO, CP+B, and Havas. Notably, he led Proximity Worldwide in Germany BBDO's Digital Agency, spearheaded Creative Technology at VMLY&R Commerce, and most recently as gained valuable Consulting services Knowledge.
Darren is hands on directing the work, he likes to be in the work from start editing, improving and mentoring.
Garnered over 160 international awards, including Cannes, LIA, Eurobest, Webby, D&AD, ADC, New York Festivals, and One Show.
Co-authored several esteemed books on digital creativity and usability.
Founded the world's largest Creative Technology Group on LinkedIn in 2010 (www.creativetechnology.club).
Some Client quotes from Linkedin.
"I had the pleasure of working with Darren for a little over a year in his capacity as Chief Creative Officer at Havas leading the creative work for our Powerbrands Strepsils and Scholl. Darren brings great creativity and passion but also a desire to really understand a client's commercial and strategic challenges which enables him to stretch and challenge his client's thinking to great effect. I found Darren to be highly collaborative, open to feedback and always keen to act on it. He has a naturally positive and approachable style which makes him great fun to work with, he is a natural team player. With his team, he strikes a great balance of being supportive but also challenging when needed. Overall, working with Darren has been a great experience and I hope our paths cross again in the future." - Catherine Lloyd - Marketing Director Central Europe (DACH & Nordics), Health at RB
"Darren was a key partner on our Braun business at BBDO and helped to steer the Hold On To Your Dreams and Break Free campaigns to the marketplace. He impressed with his creativity, open mindedness and team spirit. Passionate, a sense of perspective and a hunger to be current and at the edge on digital and social marketing."
- Austin Lally – Global President Braun at P&G
"I gave Darren an amazingly ambitious and tight in timing brief. Not only he took on the challenge with passion with his team but he came with 2 great ideas, with insightful creative angles, adding value to the brief in terms of the communication strategy. One of these ideas will come soon to life. Darren has strong empathy with people that allows him to create collaborative relationship in a very natural way, as well as creation that resonates with people's emotion. Would I brief Darren and his team on a great creative challenge again ? Yes !" - Cecile Coutens – President Royal Canin, North America at Mars
This is just a sample of my work, for the extensive full portfolio of over 50 pieces please head over to www.darrenrichardson.com
History
Executive Creative Director (WPP) & Chief Creative Technologist VMLY&R Commerce
Highlights: Leading one of WPP’s largest client pieces of business, plus Creative Technology lead for the commerce business at VMLY&R commerce
Clients: Boots, BAT, Mars
Chief Creative Officer Havas Dusseldorf & Digital Executive Creative Director Havas Europe
Highlights: In 2 years successfully transformed Havas Germany from ranked 67th to 13th winning 47 international creative awards, putting Havas back on the map. Introduced a production studio to the capabilities.
Clients: Peugeot, Citroen, Volvo, Reckitt Benckiser (Scholl, Stepsils, Vanish), Deutsche Bank, N-TV, Luve, Savencia and Vorwerk
Chief Creative Officer @ BBDO & Proximity Worldwide Dusseldorf
Highlights: Transformed the HQ of BBDO in Germany, making it the most awarded in 2017 in Germany also doubling the size of the agency with new business, enabling us to bring in new international talent.
Promoted from ECD after 1 year to CCO
Clients: Braun Brand Global CCO, Mars Brands (Snickers, Twix, Mars, M&M's, Whiskas, Pedigree Perfect Fit, Uncle Ben, Miracoli, 5Gum and Wrigley) Germany Lead, Becks Beer, Sky, J&J Brands, Smart, Mercedes, ITG (Global CCO ), Blau (Telecoms), Firefox, Iglo (Birdseye) & Dr Oetker
Creative Director @ CP+B - Toronto
Highlights: Leading the digital creative in the Toronto office, winning digital projects and awards.
Clients: Axe, Microsoft, Molson and Toronto Tourism.
Executive Creative Technology Director @ 180 Amsterdam
Highlights: Leading Creative Technology for the Adidas 2010 world cup campaign across all digital mediums.
Clients: Adidas (All)
Creative Technical Director @ ISOBAR – London & Amsterdam
Highlights: Opening Amsterdam office, Tommy Hilfiger Commerce activation.
Clients: Adidas, Rebook, Jimmy Choo, Wodka, Tommy Hilfiger, Panasonic, Chivas, Barbican, SCA & Nokia
Creative Technical Director @ RGA – London & New York
Highlights: Founding member of the London office, London Niketown Kitbuilder implementation and Nokia award winning campaigns
Clients: Nike, Nokia Global, Nokia North America, Nokia UK, John Lewis, Endemol , SCJ, Danone
Creative Interactive Director @ Magic Lantern Productions – London
Highlights: Winner of a Bafta for innovation
Clients: Channel4 FourDocs, BBC, Entertainment