In his role at Wunderman New York, he will head accounts including United Airlines, Coca-Cola, E*TRADE, and Isle of Capri.
Wunderman has appointed Sami Thessman (pictured) to Chief Creative Officer for its flagship New York office. Bringing to the role more than 17 years of international experience, he joins the digital network from Havas Worldwide where he served as Executive Creative Director.
Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the ability to deliver award-winning global brand campaigns. In his position as creative lead, he will head accounts including United Airlines, Coca-Cola, E*TRADE, and Isle of Capri, partnering with Jamie Gallo, President of Wunderman New York.
Thessman will also work closely with Global Chief Creative Officer, Lincoln Bjorkman. Prior to Havas, he was the Global ECD for TBWA, where he led Infiniti and was a member of group’s global Digital Arts Network. Key client serviced include adidas, Apple, MasterCard, McDonald’s, and Michelin, among others.
He transferred to Hong Kong from TBWA Helsinki, where he was ECD. While there, he helmed Nissan in the Nordics and Baltics, and worked with leading brands such as Tieto, Turvatiimi, and Valio. His work for Nissan Europe, Global, and Nordic and Baltic, has garnered numerous industry accolades.
The appointment follows the office’s new business wins. Wunderman New York recently became direct agency of record for E*TRADE, responsible for creative strategy, direct mail as well as data and analytics. It also handles Isle of Capri’s direct marketing and the Major League Baseball Players Association’s digital and branding work.
“Sami is a proven leader able to combine data, and storytelling to help brands build innovative campaigns, with particular expertise in the technology and financial sectors. His entrepreneurial mindset and technology expertise will help our clients push the boundaries of consumer engagement,” said Gallo.
