Paris, France – Cheil Worldwide today announced the launch of its strategic alliance with Herezie, a start up agency led by leading advertising industry figures, Andrea Stillacci and Luc Wise, with the experienced backing of Pierre Callegari.
Cheil Worldwide, the largest advertising & marketing agency in Korea has over the past two years established an acquisitions portfolio which includes leading international agencies, such as London’s award winning BMB (Beattie McGuinness Bungay,) The Barbarian Group, a highly reputable US digital agency and Open Tide China, another top digital agency in China.
Herezie’s President and Executive Creative Director, Stillacci has won over 40 international awards during the past 3 years for his film, digital, press, poster and integrated campaigns. His diverse background – acquiring a Masters in Economics (INSEAD,) Music DJ and contemporary art critic brings a unique perspective to the agency. Under Stillacci’s leadership, Grey Paris was named as the 10th most awarded agency of WPP Worldwide and the most awarded French agency in Cannes 2009.
Luc Wise will take on the role of General Manager and Head of Strategies. Since 2003, Wise has been a shareholder at V (DDB Group) and Head of Planning. His strong experience in business, along with Stillacci’s multi-diverse background will lead the front line of Herezie.
Pierre Callegari, founder of the first independent agency in France, Callegari Berville and president of Grey France from 2000 to 2008, will also have a role within Herezie as Associate Co-Founder. His 30 years of successful entrepreneurial experience in the French Advertising industry will help establish and guide the start up agency.
Herezie will be independently structured with Cheil being a minority shareholder. Cheil will also offer support to Herezie with its global networks to develop new clients.
“At Herezie, we believe that the strongest, most effective ideas in all fields of human achievement – business, but also art, music, science or sport – have always come from heresy; ideas that challenge and reshape the existing “orthodoxy,” says Andrea Stillacci.
Commenting on this alliance, Bruce Haines, President and Global COO of Cheil Worldwide said, “Through this partnership with Herezie, we are confident that we will be able to extend our global capabilities in France, and eventually other markets in the region. We couldn’t be happier to work
with a truly, top-class team and we believe that their expertise and vision will lead us to the next phase of our growth.”
Herezie will be a cross disciplinary company, drawing upon a wide-range of multi-disciplinary talent to create the best solutions for clients.
