JWT New York Names Catherine East Global Business Director

JWT New York announced today that Catherine East is returning to the agency as a Global Business Director on the Johnson & Johnson account, leading the Listerine business globally.

East previously worked at JWT New York from 2001 to 2006, working on Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, as well as J&J’s Oral Care portfolio. In her new role, East will be responsible for building the Listerine brand globally. She will report to Lynn Power, Managing Director of JWT New York.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Catherine back home to J. Walter Thompson,” said Power. “She is exactly the kind of leader we need to build for the future – passionate, entrepreneurial and a great problem-solver. We know she will be an asset for us as we continue on our mission to bring pioneering creative ideas to life.”

East joins JWT from DDB New York, where she was a Group Account Director. Over the eight years she was at DDB, East worked on a diverse array of businesses including Hertz, Philips and United Technologies, as well as projects for PepsiCo and Pfizer.  

Prior to her first stint at JWT, East was at Grey New York, working on the Procter & Gamble account on the Jif, Crisco, Culinary Sol and Olean brands. East began her advertising career at Euro MVBMS (Havas) on MCI. Active in the industry, she has judged the Effie Awards and speaks frequently for the Advertising Education Foundation (AEF) as well as to several graduate and undergraduate business school programs.

“I’m thrilled to be coming back to JWT New York, particularly at such an exciting time for the agency,” said East. “It is a privilege to partner with Johnson & Johnson to help grow Listerine, driving increased global relevance and affinity for such a beloved, iconic American brand.”