I'm a marketing communications leader with 20 years of experience building and sustaining client partnerships at world-class agencies across EMEA and Asia, working with brands like Nike, Samsung, HSBC, Meta, Netflix and Pernod Ricard. I'm strategically minded and creatively driven, focused on delivering work that is both culturally resonant and creatively distinctive. I'm committed to cultivating high-performing agency and client collaborations with the shared ambition of delivering exceptional work that is strategically compelling, culturally resonant, and creatively distinctive. Many of my campaigns have set industry benchmarks, attracting new audiences and driving growth at local, regional, and global levels.

David Anson

I'm a marketing communications leader with 20 years of experience building and sustaining client partnerships at world-class agencies across EMEA and Asia, working with brands like Nike, Samsung, HSBC, Meta, Netflix and Pernod Ricard. I'm strategically minded and creatively driven, focused on delivering work that is both culturally resonant and creatively distinctive. I'm committed to cultivating high-performing agency and client collaborations with the shared ambition of delivering exceptional work that is strategically compelling, culturally resonant, and creatively distinctive. Many of my campaigns have set industry benchmarks, attracting new audiences and driving growth at local, regional, and global levels.

Available to hire

I’m a marketing communications leader with 20 years of experience building and sustaining client partnerships at world-class agencies across EMEA and Asia, working with brands like Nike, Samsung, HSBC, Meta, Netflix and Pernod Ricard. I’m strategically minded and creatively driven, focused on delivering work that is both culturally resonant and creatively distinctive.

I’m committed to cultivating high-performing agency and client collaborations with the shared ambition of delivering exceptional work that is strategically compelling, culturally resonant, and creatively distinctive. Many of my campaigns have set industry benchmarks, attracting new audiences and driving growth at local, regional, and global levels.

See more

Experience Level

Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Head of Business Leadership & Client Service at BBH Singapore
July 1, 2022 - Present
Transformed the department into the standard-bearer for BBH’s values, achieving a 90% staff retention rate. Senior lead on a SGD $10M revenue portfolio, overseeing relationships and retention of Samsung, Nike, FairPrice, Meta and Heineken. Led onboarding of major pitches (Samsung Visual Display, Netflix APAC, Krafton, AIA Insurance) and helped BBH Singapore earn Campaign Agency of the Year 2024. Contributed to a #3 ranking in the Kantar Global Creative Effectiveness Awards for Samsung Visual Display, won a regional Effie, and delivered 5% revenue growth for FairPrice. Drove double-digit volume growth for Tiger Crystal in Asia with the Summer Puffer campaign and generated $29M+ in earned media for McDonald’s Gamifries.
Brand Narrative Director at Nike London & EME
March 1, 2019 - June 30, 2022
Spearheaded high-profile campaigns across EMEA and led initiatives for the London Studio. Collaborated with Nike brand teams and agency partners to deliver insight-driven campaigns, strengthening Nike’s leadership in key markets and partnerships. Achieved 32% growth in Nike Membership in the UK via narrative direction, creative strategy and daily editorial/AV output for @nikelondon and the Nike Members App. Led the Liverpool FC partnership launch, creating an innovative editorial platform and contributing to growth in app engagement.
Co-Founder & Managing Director at 81Agency
July 1, 2015 - March 31, 2019
Co-founded a specialist agency focused on helping premium brands connect with digital-first affluent audiences. Grew revenue to £500K+ in two years, led P&L, and managed client portfolio including Hilton Hotels, Boodles Jewellery and Birchall Tea. Drove a 300% online sales uplift for Birchall Tea with a new visual identity and digital platform, and a 20% uplift in Hilton Luxury Experience sign-ups through a brand expression project.
Business Leader at Saatchi & Saatchi London
March 1, 2014 - July 31, 2015
Shaped the agency’s new vision and enhanced creative output. Served as Business Lead for HSBC Premium Banking and Wealth Management, building a cross-functional global team to deliver the integrated global campaign 'Personal Support, for Your Personal Economy,' contributing to a 5% global revenue increase. Grew agency revenue by 20% through new briefs including HSBC Expat, Jet Bridges, and Private Bank Financial Planning; led the Marie Curie pitch win and subsequent 2015 campaign.
Managing Partner at Kameleon
January 1, 2012 - February 28, 2014
Helped establish a new-generation agency focused on connecting brands with target audiences through branded content. Managed key relationships with Sony and Pernod Ricard Chivas Regal; revitalized Sony’s make.believe platform through an owned-channel content series, increasing purchase propensity by 19%. Achieved 25% net sales growth for Chivas Regal via the Savile Row partnership, repositioning the brand as a luxury lifestyle choice.
Global Account Director at Wieden+Kennedy Amsterdam
February 1, 2007 - January 31, 2012
Relocated to Amsterdam as Global Account Director for Nike partnership. Led iconic Nike campaigns, including the award-winning 'Write the Future' (2010 World Cup), earning a Cannes Grand Prix and contributing to a 7% increase in global category sales. Expanded Nike remit beyond EMEA with Copa America 2011, and oversaw high-impact projects for Sharp TV and EA Games.
Account Manager at McCann Erickson London
August 1, 2004 - January 31, 2007
Recruited through the 2004 Graduate Program; contributed to campaigns for MasterCard, HP, Unilever Wall’s Ice Cream, Bisto, Sharwood’s and Yoplait.

Education

Leadership and Management Certificate Program at The Wharton School
January 11, 2030 - May 5, 2026
Advanced Certificate in Effectiveness at IPA
January 11, 2030 - May 5, 2026
IPA Level 1 at IPA
January 11, 2030 - May 5, 2026
IPA Level 2 at IPA
January 11, 2030 - May 5, 2026
Hyper Island Diploma at Hyper Island
January 11, 2030 - May 5, 2026
Information Management BSc. 2.1 at University College London
January 11, 2030 - May 5, 2026
Postgraduate Diploma in Advertising at Watford College
January 11, 2030 - May 5, 2026

Qualifications

Leadership and Management Certificate Program (The Wharton School)
January 11, 2030 - May 5, 2026
IPA Advanced Certificate in Effectiveness
January 11, 2030 - May 5, 2026
IPA Level 1
January 11, 2030 - May 5, 2026
IPA Level 2
January 11, 2030 - May 5, 2026
Hyper Island Diploma
January 11, 2030 - May 5, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Consumer Goods, Professional Services, Retail, Software & Internet