Austin, TX – April 9, 2025 – Today, CALLEN announces it has named Jess Monsey as its first-ever Chief Opportunity Officer and Mike Davidson as Head of Production. These hires come on the heels of tremendous growth for the Austin-based creative agency, which doubled between 2023 and 2024. As of the end of March, CALLEN remains on track for another record-breaking year. The agency brought in five new clients, including its recently announced agency of record win for Vera Bradley, over the course of Q1. Revenue is already up 12% over 2024 a mere three months into the year.
In her newly created role, Monsey will identify growth opportunities for CALLEN’s diverse roster of clients, which includes Disney, Disney+, Supercell, Sandisk, Long Drink, Olipop, and Vera Bradley, while also spearheading proactive business outreach initiatives. Davidson will lead all things production across the full book of business. Both will report to Founder and Chief Creative Officer Craig Allen, as well as President and Partner David Hughes.
Monsey and Davidson begin in their new roles immediately.
Wieden Alumna Jess Monsey Rejoins the Industry after a Two-Year Gaming Hiatus
Monsey has led some of the most iconic creative campaigns of the past two decades, with milestones including the total brand transformations of Old Spice from 2007 to 2016 and KFC from 2013 to 2017. Her work on Old Spice has garnered some of the industry’s highest honors, including Cannes Grand Prix wins in Film and Cyber, a Grand Effie for “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like,” and the first-ever One Show Penta Pencil in 2026 for five years of creative excellence for the brand.
“Jess is truly a one-of-a-kind partner. We worked together for years on Old Spice, and I’m thrilled to welcome her to CALLEN – and back into the industry – now in this newly created role. Her track record of driving brand transformation and building world-class creative teams speaks for itself,” said Craig Allen, Founder and Chief Creative Officer at CALLEN. “As we continue to grow, her leadership in identifying new opportunities and fostering strong client partnerships will prove invaluable. We can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make.”
Monsey joins CALLEN – and returns to the advertising industry – after a two-year hiatus dedicated to developing The Paladins League, an organization that exists to champion the joy of connection, teamwork and bravery of creative self expression through tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons. Before that, Monsey spent five years in President and Managing Director roles at Wieden+Kennedy and 72andSunny, where she gained a deep understanding of the evolving intersection of modern business, creativity, and culture.
“I really thought I had tapped out of the industry, but there are things I miss. The opportunity to reunite with Craig, Mike, David and all the wonderful people at CALLEN drew me back in,” said Monsey. “I love building brands, helping clients meet their business ambitions, and making work that people value and love. It’s going to be fun.”
CALLEN Levels Up Production Department with Mike Davidson
Davidson brings over two decades of industry experience to CALLEN’s production department. Cannes Lions, The One Show, The Webby Awards, CLIOs, The FWA, and more have recognized his integrated work for brands including Old Spice, KFC, Nike, Coca-Cola, The NBA, Frito Lay, and Mondelez. He served, most recently, as EVP, Managing Director of Brand Production at PXP and, prior to that, held production roles Media.Monks, Leo Burnett, and Wieden+Kennedy, where he previously partnered with Allen and Hughes.
“Mike has a track record of coming to the table with ideas that break barriers, while moving the needle for major brands. He represents everything CALLEN stands for: hard work, bold creativity, and a deep commitment to our clients,” said David Hughes, President and Partner at CALLEN. “His ability to push boundaries in production, execute at the highest level of craft, and foster innovative thinking makes him an incredible addition to our team.”
“I was drawn to CALLEN by the opportunity to join the incredibly talented team that Craig and David have built,” Davidson added. “I am looking forward to working with their growing roster of ambitious client partners and to play a leading role in building a production offering that executes at the highest levels of craft and that drives innovative thinking and delivers creative excellence across all mediums and production disciplines.”
ABOUT CALLEN
Founded by Craig Allen in 2017, CALLEN is an Austin-based, independent creative lab. We make eccentric work that turns heads and gets people talking with our signature “stupid smart” approach, turning simple yet brilliant ideas into memorable campaigns for U.S. and global brands. Our client relationships span different industries and brand life stages, from newer brands like OOFOS® and OLIPOP to more established companies like Supercell, and Disney+.
CALLEN is more than an agency, functioning as part production studio, part strategic brand shepherd, and part entrepreneurial incubator. Our team also develops original, innovative ventures like Bijan Mustardson, our own CPG brand including gourmet mustards, merch, and more created in partnership with current Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson.
Learn more at www.thisiscallen.com.
