Toronto-based agency Juliet is ushering in a new era with the appointment of Michael Johnson, formerly of Cossette, and Jordan Gladman, an existing talent at the agency, as its inaugural Executive Creative Directors (ECDs). Coined humorously by founder and Chief Creative Officer Ryan Spelliscy as the “Michael Jordan era,” this move marks a significant milestone for Juliet, set to celebrate its seventh anniversary in November.
Ryan Spelliscy emphasized that while he will continue to play a role in shaping Juliet’s creative direction, the addition of Michael and Jordan as ECDs will bolster the agency’s creative prowess. This strategic move allows Ryan to focus more on the agency’s broader business aspects while entrusting the day-to-day creative responsibilities to the new ECD duo.
“They’ll elevate our daily creative output,” said Ryan. “I wanted a strong team dedicated to creative excellence, allowing me to focus on larger strategic initiatives.” Juliet’s client portfolio includes prominent names such as the CFL, The Keg, FreshCo, Sporting Life, and Redbarn Pet Products from the U.S.
Michael Johnson’s hiring and the establishment of the co-ECD role signal Juliet’s evolution into “Juliet 2.0,” a phase characterized by operational enhancements while preserving its identity as a nimble, independent agency. With offices in Toronto and Los Angeles, Juliet currently employs approximately 38 professionals.
Reflecting on Juliet’s growth trajectory, Ryan noted that the agency has evolved in alignment with his original vision. “I didn’t envision Juliet as a large agency; I aimed to deliver exceptional work that drives client success and resonates with audiences,” he commented.
Michael and Jordan, formerly a creative team at Leo Burnett, bring a wealth of experience, having collaborated on notable campaigns for TD, Budweiser, IKA, and Amazon, including the acclaimed 2016 Super Bowl spot “The Party.” Ryan highlighted their seamless creative synergy and shared history as a pivotal factor in their selection.
“What excites me about this partnership is their natural rapport and shared creative vision,” Ryan added. “It’s a privilege to welcome an ECD duo capable of hitting the ground running.”
Michael Johnson expressed enthusiasm about reuniting creatively with Jordan Gladman, stating, “Our creative process feels effortless, like a game rather than a chore. I missed that dynamic working with Jordan.”
Jordan Gladman echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Michael’s alignment with Juliet’s audience-centric approach from concept development to execution. “We’re dedicated to driving our clients’ business growth through creativity,” Jordan affirmed.
The appointment of Michael Johnson and Jordan Gladman signifies Juliet’s commitment to enhancing its creative capabilities and delivering impactful campaigns in the evolving advertising landscape.