AJ Hassan
Chief Creative Officer
Chicago,IL
Summary
Emmy Award-Winning Chief Creative Officer with a proven track record in partnering with visionary brands to drive impactful business transformation. Recognized for leading multi-disciplinary agency teams in delivering innovative strategies and creative solutions, particularly in digital media and brand storytelling. Notable achievements include the successful launch of major brand initiatives that address complex challenges while enhancing cultural relevance. Core competencies include brand innovation, campaign development, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic problem solving that resonates with diverse audiences.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Creative Officer
Capital A
Chicago, IL
01.2021 - Current
- Partners with marketing leaders, innovators, and social impact organizations to deliver breakthrough ideas designed to solve challenges, build brand relevance, and transform business.
- Leads large, multi-disciplinary creative and marketing teams in the development of strategically sound, innovative creative and media solutions.
- Drives growth, change and revenue by cultivating successful client relationships.
- Manages scopes and budgets for creative projects, ensuring optimal use of resources, and cost-effective implementation.
- Fosters collaboration with a wide range of experts and talent to curate best-in-class teams and delivery.
- Establishes and maintains strategic partnerships with key industry players to enhance business growth and development.
VP, Executive Creative Director
R/GA
Chicago, IL
04.2016 - 12.2020
- Led the creative department in the development of innovative brand-building campaigns, enhancing brand relevance and market share.
- Generated $30 million in new business and talent expansion to grow the client roster, revenue, and reputation.
- Spearheaded award-winning creative campaigns, product and brand design to launch PepsiCo's water portfolio brands, LIFEWTR, and Bubly, becoming 150+ million category leaders in year one.
- Partnered with Pivotal Ventures, the social progress organization led by Melinda Gates, to launch her gender equality platform and a $40 million philanthropic challenge with Lever for Change.
- Provided organizational leadership and collaborated with executive partners to establish business goals, and deliver integrated creative solutions for multi-million dollar agency clients.
- Actively participated in industry events, conferences, and served on prestigious award show juries to enhance brand visibility and business growth.
VP, Creative Director
Leo Burnett
Chicago, IL
03.1999 - 03.2016
- Led the creation of the Emmy Award-winning Always #LikeAGirl YouTube and Super Bowl campaign that captured over 150 million views worldwide and was named YouTube's Top Three Ads of the Decade.
- Created successful, integrated marketing and advertising campaigns for a spectrum of business categories, household brands, and Fortune 500 companies, including Procter & Gamble, Allstate Insurance, Hallmark, Diageo Liquors, Delta Faucets, and Starbucks.
- Managed teams of copywriters, art directors, UX designers, technologists, videographers, and other creative disciplines from ideation to execution.
- Directed and developed strategic and creative presentations for new business pitches.
- Leveraged audience insights, data, and cultural trends to shape impactful, creative solutions and approaches.
- Presented creative concepts and strategies to senior management and clients, effectively communicating the vision and rationale behind creative decisions.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Sociology, English
Hobart And William Smith Colleges
Geneva, NY06-1996
Skills
- Organizational & Creative Leadership
- Brand & Category Innovation
- Creative Problem Solving
- Business Transformation
- Client & C-Suite Collaboration
- Integrated Advertising Campaigns
- Strategic Media Integration
- Cultural Insights & Impact
Affiliations
Real Estate, Building, Design and Rehabbing Addict
Youth Baseball Coach
Board Member / The Tween Esteem Project, Razia's Ray of Hope
Accomplishments
Top Awards at Cannes Lions Grand Prix, Titanium, Glass Lion/ Emmy Award / D&AD Black Pencil / Andy Awards/ Clios / One Show / Effies / Webbys
Industry Juror for Cannes / Andy Awards / One Show / NEXT AICP
Expert Reviewer for Lever For Change
2018 ADCOLOR Creative of The Year Honoree
2017 CAMPAIGN U.S. DIGITAL 40 over 40
2015 ADAGE Most Awarded Copywriter
Timeline
Chief Creative Officer
Capital A
01.2021 - Current
VP, Executive Creative Director
R/GA
04.2016 - 12.2020
VP, Creative Director
Leo Burnett
03.1999 - 03.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Sociology, English
Hobart And William Smith Colleges
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