180 Amsterdam Announces New Creative Director and Head of Strategy Appointments

Creative agency 180 Amsterdam has announced three key senior appointments, reinforcing its commitment to creative innovation and strategic excellence.

Gabriel Lepesteur has been appointed creative director, and Owen Dowling has joined as head of strategy.

Ranked the #3 most-awarded copywriter globally in 2024 and the #10 Best Copywriter at Cannes 2023, Gabriel Lepesteur brings a wealth of experience to 180 Amsterdam. Lepesteur has led and created innovative campaigns for global brands such as Oreo, Xbox, the Olympic Games, Samsung, Heinz, Audi, and Bang & Olufsen. Lepesteur’s talent for digital-first, culture-shaping creativity will be applied to key 180 Amsterdam clients including Pepsico, adidas and DHL.

Owen Dowling joins 180 Amsterdam from AB-InBev Europe, where he was head of strategy and contributed to the company winning the Cannes Creative Marketer of the Year award twice.  Prior to AB-InBev, Dowling led planning for the Singapore office at Ogilvy for over five years. Dowling will be charged with leading the agency’s strategy function across brand, social and communications planning with a focus on further developing 180’s famous Shift model for clients.

In addition to these appointments, the agency has hired the highly regarded Oleta Hambleton as the new global brand communications director (ex. OLIVER, News UK, Group M). Hambleton will oversee and manage the agency's external communications during a pivotal period of growth for the agency.

Corlett said: "It’s so exciting to see some of the world’s loveliest, and most creatively ambitious, talent join our team. Their proven experience at the highest level of modern creativity and communications will play a key role in helping our clients see The World As It Could Be."