Brian Williamson: Senior Strategist at AMV BBDO – Crafting Creative Excellence
Brian Williamson is a name that resonates with strategic brilliance in the advertising world. Currently serving as a Senior Strategist at AMV BBDO, one of the most renowned creative agencies in London, England, Williamson has established himself as a leader in connecting business objectives with human behavior. With an impressive portfolio of work, he continues to create campaigns that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
Who is Brian Williamson?
Brian Williamson is a planner and strategist who excels in developing solutions that merge business goals with real-world human behavior, particularly in the digital and social spheres. His approach is grounded in flexible thinking, clear communication, and starting from first principles. With a belief that “good strategy should sound like well-informed common sense,” Williamson has made a significant impact across several industries during his career.
Education and Professional Background
Educational Foundation
Williamson holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. During his time at the university, he also pursued a Business Minor, showcasing his interest in combining creativity with commercial insight. In addition to his academic credentials, he further honed his expertise through certifications, including:
- Marketing Mini MBA with Mark Ritson (2018, 2019)
- Squared Online Digital Marketing Certificate (2015–2016)
- IPA Eff Test Certification (2020)
These certifications have equipped him with cutting-edge marketing and branding strategies, making him a force to be reckoned with in the advertising industry.
Professional Journey
AMV BBDO: Shaping Award-Winning Campaigns
Since December 2019, Williamson has been a Senior Strategist at AMV BBDO, a top-tier creative agency in London. In this role, he has spearheaded strategies for high-profile campaigns that have not only captured audiences’ attention but also driven meaningful outcomes for global brands. Some of his notable contributions include:
- Sheba’s “The Gravy Race” (2024): A whimsical campaign featuring internet-famous cats competing in a race to promote Sheba’s Gravy Indulgence Entrées.
- Whiskas’ “Purr More” (2021): A unique initiative that aimed to create happiness for cats and their owners using specially curated music.
- Sheba’s “Hope Reef” (2021): An environmental campaign focused on coral reef restoration, emphasizing sustainability.
Previous Roles
Critical Mass (2017–2019)
Prior to joining AMV BBDO, Williamson worked as a Senior Strategist at Critical Mass, where he handled global digital strategies for automotive brands like Mitsubishi and INFINITI. He also played a key role in ONE HUNDRED, Omnicom’s coalition focused on creating a positive global impact.
Spark44 (2016–2017)
At Spark44, Williamson managed brand, digital, and social strategy for Jaguar and Land Rover in the UK. His innovative audience-centered approach led to impactful campaigns, including the famous “Speed Bump” campaign, which became Land Rover’s most-viewed YouTube video with 104 million organic views.
Edelman (2014–2015)
As a Senior Account Planner at Edelman, Williamson worked with major clients, including Xbox, Hewlett-Packard, and PayPal, providing creative digital strategies and social media insights.
Key Skills and Approach
Human-Centric Planning
Williamson’s ability to connect business objectives with human behavior sets him apart. His focus on understanding audiences enables him to craft strategies that drive engagement and deliver results.
Data-Driven Insights
Whether working on admission funnels for colleges or creating advertising campaigns for global brands, Williamson relies heavily on data. His analytical mindset ensures that campaigns are both innovative and effective.
Flexibility and First Principles Thinking
A hallmark of Williamson’s approach is his commitment to flexible thinking. By focusing on first principles, he strips down complex challenges to their core, allowing him to devise clear, actionable strategies.
AMV BBDO: The Creative Powerhouse
What Makes AMV BBDO Stand Out?
AMV BBDO is synonymous with creative excellence. The agency, headquartered in London, is known for delivering Big Ideas that capture audiences’ attention and drive tangible results. With a team of talented strategists and creatives, AMV BBDO has earned a reputation for producing work that blends emotional resonance with commercial success.
Notable Campaigns by Brian Williamson at AMV BBDO
Sheba’s “The Gravy Race” (2024)
This campaign brought together the internet’s favorite cats in a playful race, showcasing Sheba’s Gravy Indulgence Entrées. The campaign demonstrated Williamson’s knack for combining humor with effective branding.
Whiskas’ “Purr More” (2021)
Designed to make cats and their owners happy, this campaign featured original music scientifically designed to appeal to feline ears. It was a testament to Williamson’s ability to integrate creativity with audience insights.
Sheba’s “Hope Reef” (2021)
In this award-winning campaign, Sheba partnered with marine experts to rebuild coral reefs. The project spelled out the word “HOPE” using thriving coral, illustrating how brands can combine purpose with promotion.
Brian Williamson’s Philosophy
At the core of Williamson’s work is a simple belief: Strategy should be clear, informed, and aligned with human behavior. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, data, and innovation in creating campaigns that resonate with audiences. His experience across industries has taught him to adapt to different challenges while maintaining a focus on delivering measurable results.
Conclusion
Brian Williamson is much more than a strategist; he is a visionary leader in the advertising industry. His contributions at AMV BBDO and beyond highlight his ability to merge creativity with business acumen. From pioneering campaigns for Jaguar and Land Rover to creating globally impactful initiatives for Sheba and Whiskas, Williamson’s work continues to set new benchmarks for excellence.
With a strong educational foundation, a wealth of professional experience, and an unwavering commitment to understanding human behavior, Brian Williamson is a name to watch in the ever-evolving world of advertising. Whether crafting campaigns for luxury brands or leading global initiatives, his work exemplifies the power of strategy and creativity working in harmony.
