DDB Canada Appoints Creative Duo Rica Eckersley and Adam Thur as ECDs

DDB North America has announced that Rica Eckersley and Adam Thur will join DDB Canada as executive creative directors, leading creative excellence across the region. Eckersley and Thur will report to SVP, managing director Megan Hardisty and will work closely with the creative council in North America, under the creative leadership of DDB Global chief creative officer, Ari Weiss.

Hardisty said: “This is a game changing duo for DDB Canada. Rica and Adam bring an incredible portfolio, diversity of background and experience, and a deep understanding of strategic insights that fuel and inspire unexpected creative. Their focus on collaboration is tightly aligned with DDB Canada’s philosophy and we are so excited for them to take our creative product to even greater heights for our clients.”

Eckersley has spent her career helping brands find their voice and shaping their narratives. She brings a keen sense of insight, love of storytelling, and desire for simplicity to the work she creates. As the daughter of a first-generation immigrant from Indonesia, Eckersley is passionate about bringing a different perspective to the advertising landscape and promoting diversity across all levels of the business.

Eckersley said: “DDB is an iconic network in the midst of an exciting global creative transformation. And there is so much good momentum in Canada right now. I’m honored to be part of the story at such an important turning point.” 

Thur has extensive experience creating breakthrough advertising across every medium possible. And while his approach to creative has evolved, one thing that has always remained is his belief that every idea must start with a true human insight. Thur is passionate about LGBTQ+ causes and strives to create the on-screen representation that he lacked as a kid.

Partners for 16 years, Eckersley and Thur have honed their creative and leadership skills at some of the best shops in Canada, including TBWA/Juniper Park, TAXI, Leo Burnett, and DonerNorth (formerly UNION). Eckersley and Thur’s work has been recognized by Cannes Lions, The One Show, Effie, Marketing, and the Clio awards, among others. The duo has worked on clients including Best Buy, Ikea, Wonder, Virgin Mobile, Audi, Realtor.ca, and Interval House Women’s Shelter. 

Thur said: “It is a perfect match. The very concept of creative teams as we know it started at DDB, which ties in perfectly to our collaborative approach. We can’t wait for this next chapter!” 

DDB North America CEO and president Justin Thomas Copeland said: “We continue to double down on our vision to be the future forward integrated creative powerhouse within the industry and Rica and Adam are just the team we need in Canada. With both connected into our creative council across North America, it will bring us even closer together as a creative network, delivering even more unexpected possibilities for our clients. So much more to come from DDB Canada!”