VMLY&R has announced the hire of Sherman Winfield and James Beikmohamadi as Executive Creative Directors based in the Atlanta office, effective immediately. They will report to Noel Cottrell, chief creative officer, Kansas City.
Winfield and Beikmohamadi will play a key role in the agency, inspiring and invigorating creative teams to drive award-winning work and excellence in the consumer experience. Both will support key creative accounts for VMLY&R Atlanta and VMLY&R Kansas City.
Both Winfield and Beikmohamadi join VMLY&R from Fitzco, where they led creative efforts on Coca-Cola, French’s Mustard and a host of other national brands. They helped lead the agency to record financial growth while bringing in a steady flow of client results, creative awards and international recognition.
The work they’ve done has won at all the local and international awards shows, including multiple Cannes Lions, Best in Discipline at One Show, D&AD pencils, Effies, Best in Show at Adstars and everything in-between.
“Sherman and James are immensely talented senior leaders who bring everything they have to make work that beaks through pretty much every time. A combination of unique storytelling ability and building meaningful experiences means they’re going to kill it building truly connected brands here at VMLY&R,” said Cottrell. “Their exceptional creative skills have contributed to some of the world’s most standout work. We’re fortunate to add them to our deep bench of North American talent, and we are thrilled that they’re joining the VMLY&R family.”
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Winfield started his career at Crispin Porter Bogusky, spending time at other agencies such as iCrossing and McCann New York. He has also worked across a number of global brands such as Coca-Cola, Domino’s, Delta, Best Buy, Kraft Mac & Cheese, Jell-O and Obama for America.
Beikmohamadi got his start as a copywriter at Evolution Bureau. He then moved to Crispin Porter Bogusky where he met Winfield. He has worked across a wide rotor of brands, including Coca-Cola, Kraft Mac & Cheese, Delta, Skittles, French’s Mustard and Microsoft.
Winfield is an avid sneaker collector, with well over 130 pairs to his name. He created a custom Air Jordan sneaker that payed homage to the “Crying Jordan” meme. The sneakers caught the attention of every major sneaker and sports outlet, including Sports Illustrated, The New York Times and ESPN. He is a proud husband, and father to his young son.
Beikmohamadi’s greatest achievement is becoming a dad and teaching his two kids to love all things Tar Heels and Ric Flair. His son has regular playdates with Winfield’s son.
Winfield and Beikmohamadi both attended Miami Ad School. Reel 360 wishes them the best of luck in their new adventure.
SOURCE: VMLY&R
