Wieden+Kennedy Tokyo Announces New Leadership Structure

Global independent creative agency Wieden+Kennedy (W+K) today announced a new management structure for its Tokyo office, with David Coleman appointed as Chief Creative Officer and Eleanor Shawcross as President (effective May 12, 2026).

This new structure aims to further strengthen strategy and creativity by bringing together diverse Japanese and global talent. Both individuals will be joining from W+K's international offices.

About David Coleman

David Coleman joins the Tokyo office from W+K London. He has led creative for Ford Europe (19 markets) and P&G's "Old Spice." Prior to joining W+K, he was at Mother London, working with brands such as MoneySuperMarket, Uber Eats, and IKEA. With over 11 years of experience as a creative leader, he has spearheaded numerous large-scale projects that balance cultural impact with business growth. Notable achievements include the Prime Video series "Charge Around the Globe" and Ford's global relaunch "Ready Set Ford."

David Coleman's Comment

"Tokyo is a unique place. The intersection of Japanese and global perspectives gives rise to truly unique ideas. We believe that instead of 'fitting ideas into a mold,' we should 'adapt ourselves to the ideas.' I look forward to further nurturing bold and distinctive creativity with this team."

About Eleanor Shawcross

Eleanor Shawcross joins the Tokyo office from W+K Amsterdam. She has been active as a brand business leader for 14 years. She has collaborated with clients across a wide range of industries, including Samsung Mobile, Ray-Ban, Instagram, LVMH, Meta, Duolingo, Airbnb, Corona, Milka, and Netflix. She has tackled global communication challenges, from supporting IPOs to launching innovative technologies.

Eleanor Shawcross's Comment

"Our mission is clear: to find the unique 'truth' and 'voice' of Asian brands. This is not just about selling products, but about creating brands that 'have something to say.' Tokyo is a city full of creativity, and I am very much looking forward to contributing to the growth of this community."

Comment from Global CCO Karl Lieberman

"David and El are the right people to lead the W+K office. They are passionate about their work, care about people, and possess exceptional talent and high aspirations. At W+K, we always emphasize building organizations while respecting the uniqueness of each location. Tokyo is a special place where local culture and global perspectives intersect. Building value rooted here is crucial, and they are the ones who can achieve it."

New Leadership Team for Tokyo Office

Under the new structure, the following leaders will support the organization:

Masahiro Ando (Chief Strategy Officer)

Max Pilwat (Group Creative Director)

Yumiko Ota (Creative Director)

Nick Partyka (Creative Director)

Kosuke Sasaki (Head of Production)

Kazuki Kyogoku (Head of PR)

Jordan Cappadocia (Head of Brand Management)

Shihomi Kai (HR Director)

Patrick Fahey (Head of Communications Planning)

Makiko Tomita (Head of Cultural Adaptations)

About W+K Tokyo

W+K Tokyo was established in 1998 and develops creative work for the Japanese and global markets. It has worked with brands such as Nike, IKEA, Match Group, MLB, Amazon, and Eli Lilly, creating unconventional ideas like "Nike Music Shoe" and Tinder's "Swipe Mart." In 2025, it executed the MLB "Hometown Heroes" manhole campaign, generating approximately $49 million globally (equivalent to approximately 7.35 billion JPY).