Ben Williams (Benjamin)

As SVP ECD Head of Creative, Ben leads the creative team at R/GA New York.Leading teams of creative directors, visual & experience designers, experience strategists and writers, Ben is overseeing the office's creative output and building a culture of innovation that delivers world class concept development, design and execution.In his time at R/GA, Ben has been instrumental across a number of projects for Nike, Jordan and Converse, leading the charge across Nike+ FuelBand, Apple Watch Nike+, Nike+ Move, Nikeplus.com, Nike+ Running, Nike Digital Innovation, Nike Membership and most recently, A/R JordanPrior to joining R/GA, he was Creative Director at Publicis, key in the conception, design and execution of “Every Step of the Way” - Citibank’s digital and socially connected program that supports Team USA and it’s athletes.At AKQA, Ben was the creative lead across various accounts including Smirnoff and their “Nightlife Exchange Project” and Sprite’s “Spark” campaign. Additionally, Ben led a number of new business initiatives, including the concept, design and presentation of the winning pitch for Calvin Klein’s digital vision.Before moving to the US from his native Australia, Ben enjoyed a successful career at agencies large and small, including founding his own highly regarded studio, representing brands including Ford, Yellow Pages, Toyota, Kraft, Subaru, Quiksilver and Sneaker Freaker magazine.In addition to being recognized at award shows including Cannes, The Clios, The One Show and The Webbys, Ben’s work and views have appeared in a number of publications around the world and has spoken on stage at festivals such as Cannes, SXSW and Advertising Week.

As VP Executive Creative Director at R/GA, Ben oversees the Nike & Jordan Brand accounts, leading a team of interaction designers, visual designers and writers, across R/GA offices in Portland, New York City and Los Angeles.Ben oversees the group's creative output to build a culture of innovative concept development, design and execution. During his time at R/GA, he has played a vital role, leading a number of key projects for both Nike and Jordan, leading the creative efforts for Nike+ Running, Nike Innovation, Nike Member Services, Jordan's emoji and iMessage app, Nike+ FuelBand and most recently, the Apple Watch Nike+.With over 20 years of experience, Ben has worked as a creative lead at AKQA and Publicis in New York, spent time at agencies both large and small in his native Australia, and founded his own highly regarded studio. During that time, he's collaborated with brands from Citibank, Smirnoff, Sprite and Calvin Klein, to Ford, Toyota, Subaru, Kraft, Yellow Pages, Quiksilver and Sneaker Freaker Magazine. Ben’s work has been recognized at Cannes, The Clios, The One Show and The Webbys, and has appeared in a number of global publications.

As Executive Creative Director at R/GA, Ben leads a team of interaction and visual designers, writers and developers across the Nike account, in both New York City and Portland, Oregon.While managing and guiding the group’s creative output, I am responsible for the creative vision, design and execution of a variety of work across Nike, including various Nike+ experiences and services, strategic partnerships and future digital initiatives.

As Creative Director across Nike+, I led a team of creatives, developing and executing ideas across a variety of Nike Digital Sport initiatives, in particular, Nike+ FuelBand, Nike+ Running, Nike+ Move, NikePlus.com and various innovation initiatives.Most Innovative Companies - Fast Company 2014Agency A-List - AdAge 2013, 2014 see less

As ACD working across Nike, I was part of the team leading creative direction across mobile & web for Nike Digital Sport including Nikeplus.com, Nike+ FuelBand, Nike+ Running, Basketball & Training.

At Publicis, I was responsible for creative concepting, direction & execution of various projects for LG, General Mills, Citibank and various global and North American new business initiatives. Key projects include LG's Ultimate Jellybean Count and Citibank's sponsorship of Team USA for the 2012 Olympic Games.2012 Webby Awards / LG Ultimate Jellybean Count / Official Honoree

As a Senior Art Director at AKQA, I was responsible for leading & executing creative concepts, art direction and design for a range of clients including Calvin Klein, Smirnoff, Coca-Cola, Kraft and Deloitte.Key projects include the award winning 2010 Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project, as well as leading the creative concepting and design to win the Calvin Klein business for AKQA.2011 New York Festivals / Bronze World Medal / Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project2010 Agency A-List - AdAge 2010Creative Agency of the Year - New Media Age 2010Digital Agency of the Year - Campaign 2010Most Respected Agency - New Media Age Top 100 Agencies 2010Agency of the Year - Revolution 2009, 2010Agency of the Year - IAB 2008, 2009, 2010Most Innovative Companies - Fast Company 2009, 2010Agency of the Year, Best Creative - OMMA Magazine 2009

Having founded StudioExit in late 2002, I was responsible for creative direction and execution for a broad range of clients including Subaru USA, Big Day Out, Quiksilver, Sneaker Freaker Magazine, Japan Telecom, Singapore Power and Mushroom Records.With StudioExit fast becoming a preferred supplier for a variety of agencies including Young & Rubicam, JWT, Wunderman and Publicis, I was responsible for a range of interactive campaigns for companies/brands such as Toyota, Shell, Vodafone, Ford, Kraft Foods and Yellow Pages.

Senior art director responsible for designing and developing a wide range of creative new media solutions for a range of clients that included The Laminex Group, Country Road, Melbourne Museum, World Vision and National Australia Bank.