The Shipyard Names William Gelner as Chief Creative Officer to Elevate Creative Excellence

The Shipyard, one of the nation’s fastest-growing independent agencies, today announced the appointment of William Gelner as chief creative officer.

“The addition of Will drives creativity forward at The Shipyard,” said its CEO Rick Milenthal. “Since The Shipyard’s founding, we’ve grown with creativity at our core by breaking silos with a nimble and innovation-driven approach. Will is one of the most accomplished innovative and creative leaders in the business and he will have an immediate positive influence for our clients.”

Before running his own agency, William was chief creative officer and partner of Special U.S., an independent creative agency. In its first year, the agency was recognised as “Newcomer of the Year” and won “Integrated Campaign of the Year” at Advertising Age’s Small Agency Awards. During his tenure there, Campaign U.S. named him a “40 Over 40” and Adweek spotlighted him as one of its “Creative 100.” 

Prior to Special, William served as CCO of Engine U.S. and Trailer Park. He also served as CCO and partner of 180LA and won numerous accolades over the course of his career, including 27 Cannes Lions, one Grand Prix for Good, two Grand Prix and a Titanium Lion. 

“I joined The Shipyard because I believe in the Collective’s shift toward a more seamless, integrated and holistic agency operating model with creative, media and PR woven into one entity,” said William. “At heart, I’m a builder. Whether it’s building brands through innovation and creativity, growing agencies or finding talent and helping build up their careers, I love building. That’s what one does at a Shipyard, and that’s what I aim to do with my phenomenal partners here. I am beyond excited to join the team and look forward to jumping in to find new, creative and impactful ways to deliver on The Shipyard’s commitment to ‘engineering brand love.’” 

William’s announcement follows the formation of The Shipyard Collective, Rick's visionary approach for ongoing growth through partnerships, investments, and acquisitions of innovative organisations and talented individuals. Its new model, focusing on active-unification has brought the power of The Shipyard, Falgren Mortine, and TURNER brands together, integrating all owned, paid and earned media with a focus on creativity.

The Shipyard’s former chief creative officer, David Sonderman, has been appointed managing partner at The Shipyard Collective, leading the integration of digital, strategy and creative operations across all brands. “These new appointments for Will and David will elevate our creativity across all disciplines and continue to move our vision forward,” added Rick.