ST. LOUIS, December 7, 2023 – St. Louis-based brand strategy and creative agency UPBrand has announced the hiring of Kris Wright as Executive Creative Director, representing a new phase of maturity for the agency. As Executive Creative Director, Wright will focus his activities on championing UPBrand’s creative team, overseeing and participating in creative solutions development while also providing leadership for the rest of the agency.
“I’m super excited to get in the trenches with the UPBrand team,” said Wright. “Adding my passion for a great creative product to an already strong team along with McKenzie’s leadership as president, will further bring to light Jeff’s vision for this extraordinary creative agency.”
Wright joins UPBrand from Rodgers Townsend where he spent the past 22 years of his career as a key member of their creative team.
This announcement follows the promotion of McKenzie Telthorst to President of UPBrand. Founding Partner Jeff Insco remains with the company in a leadership capacity. His role will evolve to focus on providing strategic counsel to key clients while championing UPBrand’s strategic plan – with an emphasis on geographic expansion to the West Coast.
UPBrand works with a range of brands across a variety of industries, including spirits, consumer goods, health & wellness, education and entertainment. Included among their current clients are: Luxco, Lion's Choice, BJC Healthcare, NestlePurina, Seiler, National Contemporary Orchestra, Post Holdings, Heya Wellness, IMC Outdoor Living,
Parents as Teachers and Moonshine University.
Parents as Teachers and Moonshine University.
Kris Wright began his career over 30 years ago working for Maritz as a Junior Designer. After a few years absorbing insight from older creatives and learning how to implement new technology into his work, he moved onto working for agencies like Waylon and Zipatoni where he mainly concentrated on illustration and design.
In 2001, Wright joined Rodgers Townsend where he was their Director of Design and ultimately where he learned the true value of great creative ideas. His creative work has been recognized by The American Advertising Awards (Best of Show), The Caples Awards, Lürzer’s Archive, Graphis, Print Magazine, How Magazine, and The Radio Mercury Awards.
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About UPBrand
Founded in 2010 by Jeff Insco and investment partner Keith Alper, UPBrand continues its journey toward being a long-term, sustainable branding and advertising agency that’s respected for its work, culture and impact. Headquartered in St. Louis, UPBrand’s mission is to build brands and business results through strategy-driven creative. As one of the largest agencies in St. Louis, UPBrand counts blue chip brands from the region and across the U.S. among its clients. Believing in the power of true collaboration, UPBrand’s average client relationships last double the industry average.
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