Director of Operations. APR (Advertising Production Resources) July 2019 – present

Guide Fortune 500 C-Suite marketers on how to transform and modernize their content production ecosystems. Perform assessments of advertisers’ in-house people, processes and tools and provide recommendations for production optimization. Define process and infrastructure to support comprehensive project/workflow management. Oversee implementation of strategic and operational recommendations to ensure KPIs are met. Create systematic data collection and reporting protocols to support resourcing decisions. Transitioned to predominately internal-focused role in 2023, collaborating with senior leaders to optimize systems and processes, positioning the company for sustained growth in a rapidly evolving industry.

  • Improved internal processes by looking at people, processes and tools to find efficiencies in our day-to-day delivery of work. Implemented new technology platforms and offshore solutions to support operational transformation

  • Partner closely with our Finance team to ensure we remain profitable in line with our financial plan, ensuring utilization of teams and optimizing margins while delivering highest quality output

  • Work closely on new business opportunities to effectively deliver high quality pitch responses

  • Utilize a trusted network of quality vendors and freelance partners across the globe

  • Bring consistency and synergy across client teams, specialisms and departments ensuring they work effectively together to meet the clients’ needs

  • Ensure we have the right headcount and mix of skills and experience to deliver against agreed projects and scopes of work

  • Occasionally lean in to propose new production operations solutions for our clients that meet their needs while ensuring they are deliverable

 

Managing Director, HOGP (Previously H&O, Redworks) Ogilvy & Mather / WPP October 2010 – July 2019

Led the operational and financial management of Ogilvyʼs studio business unit, HOGP (Hogarth Ogilvy Global Partnership), starting in Atlanta and eventually across the US. Restructured Atlanta department to reverse losses, achieved 30+% profit margin in the first year and delivered similar returns for five consecutive years. Stepped in to oversee the New York HOGP Primary & Post Production teams in 2019. Assessed staffing structure, pricing model and workflow processes to address flagging profitability.

Special Assignments:

Global Studio Operations Specialist (HOGP) 2018 - Dispatched across the globe to troubleshoot operational obstacles or under-performing business units. Reported directly to Global CEO.

 The Assembly Room (WPP) 2017 - A taskforce of WPP agencies creating a new way to offer creative, production and technology services across the network.

Global Production Lead (TCCC) 2016 - Global Implementation Director for Coca-Cola coordinating production across the globe. Responsible for implementing our global workflow and building dedicated teams.

 Advisory Board Member, The Bridge (WPP) 2016 - Founding member of the WPP procurement initiative to create a preferred network vendor program.

Global Production Lead (IHG) 2014-2015 - Built on-site agency studio teams in client locations around the globe – Atlanta, London, Shanghai and Singapore.

 

Print Production Manager BBDO Atlanta 2007 – 2010

Managed print production for key client accounts. Established ʻCafeteriaʼ studio business unit. Led the operational and financial management of the unit, secured new clients and generated $1.3M in incremental revenue during the first year.

 

Creative Operations Manager DENMARK {the agency} 2006 – 2007

Responsible for scheduling, producing and delivering all creative work generated agency-wide.

 

Production Manager Design Coup 2003 – 2006

Handled print production responsibilities including project planning and estimation, product sourcing, approval of production samples, vendor oversight and press checks.

 

Senior Account Executive Dateline Communications 1999 – 2003

Designed and implemented creative marketing and public relations plans for corporate and small business clients.


Education Emory University, 2000 BA, Philosophy & Political Science

Some cool stuff I’ve done recently

APA Board Member

Children Read Volunteer

Harvard-MIT Program on Negotiation

Lecturer at Emory’s Goizueta Business School

Sailing around the Lesser Antilles

I’ve won some awards

2013 Effie Award

2010 Mailing and Fulfillment Services National Association Award

2010 DMA SouthStar Award

2010 New York Addys, Direct Mail #1 & Direct Mail #2

2009 PIAG Award of Excellence