Ben Armistead

Ben Armistead

Managing Director & Executive Strategy Director at 72andSunny
Amsterdam, Netherlands

About me


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In the words of Agent Mulder, I am convinced that life exists beyond the confines of our daily routines. It's not just a concept in the night sky, but a vibrant reality waiting for us in the vast world outside. This belief has fueled my passion for exploring diverse cultures and commercial landscapes as a strategist. I am endlessly curious, driven by an insatiable creative wanderlust, and I find immense joy in continuous learning. My career has taken me across the globe, allowing me to lead distinctive agencies in different countries and languages. Currently, I am channeling my enthusiasm for global experiences by leading 72andSunny in Europe.

Throughout my journey, I've had the privilege of transforming strategy departments, enhancing creative brilliance, and fostering innovation in various agencies. I played a role in rebuilding Wieden+Kennedy London's strategy department, adding a commercial edge to W+K Global's creativity, revitalizing 180 Amsterdam's creative spirit and global presence, and transforming a traditional WPP agency in Spain into a Cannes-winning springboard for startups. Prior to these experiences, I contributed to the success of London’s Digital Agency of the Decade and the world's most effective agency.

At every stage, my goal has remained simple: to create meaningful work with a team of passionate individuals I admire. I find myself in a place where my ambitions align perfectly with my journey, surrounded by people I deeply respect and love working with.

Positions

Managing Director & Executive Strategy Director
Amsterdam, Netherlands
May 2021 - Present (3 years 6 months)
Part of the leadership team, striving to bring bite to the work and kindness to our people.
As an agency that has been sued by the Vatican, taken on toxic masculinity, and championed open minds, 72andSunny Amsterdam has long known how to provoke a reaction. As the ways and places people experience brands become ever more varied, the playgrounds for this cultural provocation are more exciting than ever.
Global Head of Effectiveness
Amsterdam, Netherlands
2018 - 2021 (3 years)
Global Head of Effectiveness Jan 2021 - May 2021
Nothing is more valuable in business than creativity. As part of our Global leadership team, I worked across W+K's network with office leaders and senior clients alike to identify exactly where and how creativity could have the greatest impact on business and behaviour.Nothing is more valuable in business than creativity. As part of our Global leadership team, I worked across W+K's network with office leaders and senior clients alike to identify exactly where and how creativity could have the greatest impact on business and behaviour.

Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) Oct 2018 - Jan 2021
Part of the management team responsible for steering the agency into the future and safe-guarding a culture that gave people the liberty and latitude to be themselves, and the space to create the best work of their lives.
Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)
Madrid, Spain
2017 - 2018 (1 year)
Before returning to London, I worked as Chief Strategy Officer across Grey Group’s companies in Madrid and Barcelona and operated as a pan-European consultant for Grey Europe. All creativity is destruction, so I jumped at the chance to work in a foreign language - to break myself down and rebuild everything I knew from scratch. Nothing enforces simplicity like a second language. Along the way, I made a tit of myself more than once yet we still delivered the agency's best numbers and the first Cannes Lions in years.
Head Of Strategy
Amsterdam, Netherlands
2014 - 2017 (3 years)
Before my days of sunshine, I was Head of Strategy at 180 Amsterdam, leading the agency alongside the CCO and MD, and creating global platforms for brands such as Benetton, PlayStation, Heineken, UNICEF, ASICS and HP. We rebuilt a cracking creative department, rebooted strategy from the ground up, went on a new business streak and put the lead back in our D&AD pencils.
Global Planning Director
Amsterdam, Netherlands
2011 - 2014 (3 years)
Rewind again and I was working as Global Planning Director at Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam, guiding brands such as Nike, Coca-Cola, ESPN and EA SPORTS around the world. I was lucky to be there at a golden moment when the agency was the best in the world, a place filled with more nationalities than Eurovision, and where ambition, informality and daily culture shocks kept your eyes and smile wide. I made friends for life and learnt I knew nothing.
Senior Planner
London, United Kingdom
2005 - 2011 (6 years)
Before moving to Amsterdam, I began my career in London, where I worked for Miles Calcraft Briginshaw Duffy (later Dare), an agency that was recognised repeatedly as the Effectiveness Agency of the Year and crowned Digital Agency of the Decade. Back in those days, I specialised in behavioural change, working with the UK government and countless social causes. I was also recognised by the UK’s Campaign magazine as a ‘Face to Watch.’ I've done my best to prove them right. Since then, I've gone on to win over 80 creative and effectiveness awards - from IPA and Effie Golds and Grand Prix to Cannes Lions and D&AD Pencils.
International Account Manager
Publicis London
London, United Kingdom
2003 - 2005 (2 years)
After a few years of work experience in agencies, digital start-ups and production studios, I was blooded at Publicis. We helped Thierry Henry and Renault find their Va Va Voom, and taught HP how to wrangle their global markets for the first time. We also ignored a £100k brief for "some tube posters," instead opening a multi-award-winning art gallery on Brick Lane that turned into a million-pound sub-brand. Not a bad apprenticeship.

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