FCB West Appoints Rodrigo Linhares as Creative Director

FCB West Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Karin Onsager-Birch today announced the appointment of Rodrigo Linhares as Creative Director of the rising San Francisco-based creative team that serves two of America’s leading brands, Clorox and Levi’s, among others.

 

“Rodrigo’s laser-sharp focus on great creative, media-neutral approach and overflowing positive energy make him a fantastic addition to our team and an excellent mentor for our younger creatives. His international mind-set is critical for our global work as we continue to attract clients whose brands and products need to connect with consumers across borders,” said Onsager-Birch.

 

Linhares most recently served as Vice President/Creative Directior at DigitasLBi Chicago. He brings to FCB West a robust resume of work supporting top-tier global brands such as Miller Lite, Snickers, Volkswagen, eBay, Fiat and Goodyear. In his new role, Linhares joins Senior Vice President and Group Creative Director Mike Long.

 

“At FCB West, we are currently creating global work for some of America’s most iconic and beloved brands. Rodrigo brings innovative world-class talent, breakthrough ideas, a rich perspective and invaluable experience to our agency. We are thrilled to have him,” said FCB West Chief Executive Officer Joe Oh.

 

Originally from Brazil, Linhares, a multiple Cannes Lions award-winner, globe-trotted his way from places like Duval Guillaume (Brussels) to Leo Burnett (Moscow), where he won a Gold Lion for Lego’s “Build Beyond”; DDB (Berlin), where he won a Film Lion for Volkswagen’s “Pedro”; and BBDO (New York), where he took home a Lion for Snickers’ viral Sports Illustrated back cover, “Photoshop Mistakes.” This spot – part of Snickers’ “Hungry? Why Wait?” series – replaced the brand’s name on its packaging with the names of various hunger symptoms, and successfully parodied the controversial practice of over-airbrushing models on magazine covers.

 

When asked about his personal creative process and why he joined FCB West, Linhares shared: “I’m inspired by the simplest interactions, because, more often than not, the simplest ideas are the head turners. Karin and Mike’s boutique approach and global vision are really what brought me here. The opportunities at FCB West are truly a creative director’s dream.”

 

While in Brazil, Linhares earned a degree in Social Communications with a concentration in Advertising, as well as an MBA in Marketing and Business Management. Moreover, he holds a certificate in Copywriting from Miami Ad School.