Expansion of Leadership Team for Callen, Incorporating Ex-W+K and Publicis Personnel Following Successful Year
Fresh Take:
Things are heating up at Austin-based agency, Callen! A wave of changes is sweeping the independent firm as they welcome two new heavy-hitters to their ranks. Let's dive in and explore the exciting additions to the team.
The Expansion Wave
Callen, which has been on an impressive expansion spree since 2023, has reported a substantial 12% revenue surge in the first quarter of 2025. The agency's growth has been palpable, with the addition of notable clients like Vera Bradley, Nutpods, and Long Drink to its roster. With its employee count now standing at 25, the timing for strategic leadership moves has never been better.
Callen's Bold Moves
To solidify its position in the competitive advertising landscape, Callen has tapped experienced industry talents to spearhead its continued growth. Jess Monsey, formerly of Wieden+Kennedy and 72andSunny, steps into the role of Chief Opportunity Officer. Monsey will be responsible for seeking growth opportunities for the agency's high-profile clientele, including the likes of Disney+, Supercell, and Olipop.
In addition, industry veteran Mike Davidson takes on the mantle of Head of Production. With a whopping 20 years of production expertise under his belt, Davidson's impressive career includes tenures at PXP, Media.Monks, and Wieden+Kennedy. In his new role, Davidson will oversee all production activities across Callen's diverse portfolio.
The New Guard
Jess Monsey, a seasoned industry veteran, brings her rich experience to Callen after a two-year hiatus spent cultivating the Paladins League, a tabletop game library. With numerous accolades under her belt, including Cannes Grand Prix awards and a Grand Effie, Monsey's appointment signals Callen's commitment to disrupting and revolutionizing the advertising industry.
Mike Davidson also brings his innovative production techniques and a track record of creating exceptional work for brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, and Old Spice. Davidson's ability to balance creative exploration with strategic execution is expected to further elevate Callen's production capabilities.
The Road Ahead
As Callen steers into a new era with these potent leadership expansions, the stage is set for an exhilarating future. With its culture of collaboration, balance between work and play, and a shared passion for groundbreaking creativity, Callen is set to remain a force to be reckoned with in the advertising industry. Let's not forget the outpouring of excitement from the new hires themselves - Monsey and Davidson are both eager to join forces with Craig Allen and David Hughes to create unparalleled results for their clients. Buckle up, as we strap in for a bumper year ahead!
Background:
Callen's leadership expansions mark a significant growth phase for the agency. Following an impressive growth spurt between 2023-2024, Callen reported a 12% revenue increase in Q1 2025. The expansion included adding notable clients like Vera Bradley, Nutpods, and Long Drink to its roster[1].
Jess Monsey's appointment as Chief Opportunity Officer reflects Callen's strategic move to enhance its operational excellence and drive further growth. Mike Davidson's appointment, with a focus on production, is aimed at improving the agency's production capabilities[1].
Jess Monsey's numerous accolades in the industry include Cannes Grand Prix awards and a Grand Effie for her work with brands like Old Spice[1]. Mike Davidson's extensive production experience includes roles at PXP, Media.Monks, and Wieden+Kennedy, where he worked closely with Craig Allen and David Hughes[1].
[1] Enrichment Data
- Jess Monsey's role as Chief Opportunity Officer at Callen signals the agency's commitment to industry disruption and revolution, echoing her award-winning work with brands like Old Spice.
- Mike Davidson, with his impressive 20-year career in production, will oversee all production activities at Callen, bringing his innovative techniques for brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, and Old Spice.
- Callen's expansion since 2023, marked by a 12% revenue surge in Q1 2025, has seen the addition of clients like Vera Bradley, Nutpods, and Long Drink, necessitating strategic leadership moves.
- The arrival of Jess Monsey and Mike Davidson at Callen is set to supercharge the agency's growth momentum, positioning it for continued success in the competitive finance and business sector.
- Mike Davidson's tenure at renowned agencies like Wieden+Kennedy, Media.Monks, and PXP, and his collaborative work with Craig Allen and David Hughes, bodes well for Callen's production division.
- As Callen moves into 2025 with these leadership changes, the agency stands poised to generate substantial wealth through its portfolio of high-profile clients, including Disney+, Supercell, and Olipop.
- The impending collaboration between Callen's existing leadership and the new hires, Jess Monsey and Mike Davidson, promises unmatched returns in the form of groundbreaking creativity and operational excellence.
