Disruptive, perpetually curious, creative leader, brand strategist and master storyteller. I partner with agencies, brands and businesses to bring glory to their briefs with big, sticky, creative ideas.
-
Co-FounderEvalChicago, Il, Us -
Founder, Chief Creative OfficerAsmbly EntertainmentChicago, Il, Us -
FounderAsmbly Entertainment Jun 2024 - PresentChicago, Illinois, United StatesA premium story discovery studio committed to building brands and businesses by making entertainment instead of advertising. With noise at an all-time high and trust at an all-time low, the smartest brands are betting on the power of connection through stories that entertain and inspire. -
Chief Creative Officer / Owner / Member, Board Of DirectorsKsv Mar 2019 - Oct 2023Chicago, Burlington, New YorkDisrupting the industry in the pursuit of sustainability. Rebranded, repositioned, and rebuilt KSV from the ground up, helping double revenue in the first 18 months. -
Creative Director ♦ CopywriterKsv Aug 2016 - Dec 2019Burlington, Vermont, United StatesGuided a team of creative professionals to foster a culture of disruptive innovation, creativity, and collaboration. Developed creative briefs with Director of Strategy. Directed the execution of creative concepts, ensuring high quality standards. Encouraged the team’s professional and career advancement. Managed department and budgets.▪ Set the creative direction for in-house creative projects for clients like National Grid, New York State Energy Research and Development, Lake Monsters, USCRI, Mass Save, Blue Wave Solar, New York Sun, and Sunsoil CBD, totaling $45M+ in annual revenue.▪ Met with cross-functional teams to ensure creative work aligned with business priorities, brand strategy, and relatable insights and to guarantee projects were delivered on time and within budget. -
Associate Creative DirectorJ. Walter Thompson Worldwide May 2015 - Aug 2016A few highlights included:▪ Conceived the “Real Nice” creative platform for US Virgin Islands (USVI) Board of Tourism, driving tourism by inviting travelers to experience the authentic USVI.▪ Explored new frontiers in fuel with the development of “Starship.” -
Senior Creative, Brand NarrativeHyatt Hotels Corporation Mar 2014 - May 2016Chicago, Illinois, United StatesPartnered with executive leadership to define and resurrect the Hyatt Centric brand, establishing the brand’s distinctive identity and signature guest experience across Hyatt’s portfolio, ensuring consistency.A few highlights included:▪ Conceptualized and launched pilot partnership with “One Fine Stay,” penetrating brand reach into residential luxury properties nation-wide. ▪ Cultivated long-term, meaningful relationships with external creative and production teams to access top talent for various creative projects. -
Associate Creative DirectorFcbx May 2015 - Jun 2015Chicago, Illinois, United StatesMember of the core pitch team that won a new cocktail in a can product for Bud Light. -
CopywriterDdb Apr 2015 - Jun 2015Chicago, Illinois, United States -
Senior CopywriterTrisect Agency Mar 2011 - Feb 2013Greater Chicago AreaAt Trisect, I led the writing efforts for Orville Redenbacher's Popcorn, Slim Jim, Kawasaki, and DeVry University advertising campaigns.A few notable campaigns included:▪ Launched Orville Redenbacher’s “POP-UP BOWL” by forging strategic in-store partnerships and digital activations. ▪ Instrumental in creating Kawasaki's Ninja 500 campaign and Times Square activation, driving brand engagement.▪ Revived Kawasaki's customer relationship management (CRM) efforts with the "I am ROK" campaign. -
CopywriterFcb Global Jun 2005 - Mar 2011As Copywriter, I supported campaigns for Jack Daniel’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), State Farm, Herradura Tequila, Boeing, and MilkPEP. A few notable campaigns included:▪ Introduced the grilled side of KFC with groundbreaking “UNTHINK” campaign, reshaping brand perception.▪ Successfully failed to make Jack Daniel’s birthday a national holiday.▪ Conceived Jake from State Farm, a long-standing, iconic campaign.▪ Launched Herradura tequila into US premium market, conceiving “Never Compromise.”▪ Created Boeing’s “Beyond the Horizon” campaign and content for all marketing materials for 787 Dreamliner launch.▪ Developed MilkPEP’s “Drink Milk for a Change” campaign, inspiring teens to make a difference.
Kevin M. Willard Education Details
-
Marketing -
Copywriting -
Communication And Media Studies -
Communication, Journalism, And Related Programs -
Marketing -
Advertising
Frequently Asked Questions about Kevin M. Willard
What company does Kevin M. Willard work for?
Kevin M. Willard works for Eval
What is Kevin M. Willard's role at the current company?
Kevin M. Willard's current role is Co-Founder.
What schools did Kevin M. Willard attend?
Kevin M. Willard attended Columbia College Chicago, University Of Dayton, Miami Ad School, University Of Dayton, University Of Dayton, University Of Dayton, University Of Dayton.
Free Chrome Extension
Find emails, phones & company data instantly
Aero Online
Your AI prospecting assistant
Select data to include:
0 records × $0.02 per record
Download 750 million emails and 100 million phone numbers
Access emails and phone numbers of over 750 million business users. Instantly download verified profiles using 20+ filters, including location, job title, company, function, and industry.
Start your free trial