Jim Kelly, Executive Creative Director
WHAT I’VE BEEN UP TO LATELY:
After a long, award-winning career in general advertising and marketing, I joined biopharma agency closerlook in 2018. I helped win the agency’s largest account, led creative development of the most award-winning campaign in closerlook history, won a Cannes Lion for a documentary about a rare disease, and oversaw one of the most anticipated pharmaceutical product launches of the year. But most importantly, I discovered that being a good creative director can genuinely help people. This revelation has been the biggest gift of my career, and how I intend to measure success from here on out.
WHAT I'm good At:
I’m an award-winning, concept-loving, social/mobile/digital Executive Creative Director with boundless passion for big ideas in every marketing medium. My broad experience in everything from general advertising to promotions, social, digital, experiential and more has taught me to be a strong strategic thinker and effective brand storyteller. I know how to lead teams, inspire great ideas in others, and execute them profitably. I’m a darn good presenter and born salesman, with a consistent track record of helping to win new business and spur organic growth. I’m a friendly, collaborative colleague, with a knack for strong relationships with clients, agency partners, and my internal teammates.
Experience:
CURRENTLY
Closerlook // Executive Creative Director, 2018 - Present
PREVIOUSLY
Catapult Marketing // Vice President, Executive Creative Director, 2010 - 2017
The Marketing Store // Group Creative Director, 2004 - 2010
FCB Chicago // Associate Creative Director (Freelance), 2003 - 2004
Ogilvy Chicago // Senior Copywriter, 1999 - 2003
BBDO Chicago // Senior Copywriter, 1996 - 1999
UPSHOT // Senior Copywriter, 1995 - 1996
Institute Of Financial Education // Marketing Manager, 1992 - 1995
Channel Marketing // Copywriter (and The Guy Who Changed The Furnace Filters), A Million Years Ago
Education:
University of Illinois, Sociology Major
I served as Creative Director at WPGU, U of I's stellar student-run radio station, writing and producing thousands of radio commercials, several of them good. Plus, I was lucky enough to invent a job as Promotions Manager at Gully's Riverview Inn, a bar many Illini alums will most definitely remember;-)