Leo Burnett UK Boosts Creative Offering with the Hire of 2 New Creative Directors

Leo Burnett has bolstered its senior creative line-up, led by CCO Mark Elwood, with the appointment of two new creative directors, Kimberley Gill and Bethany Manning. 

Previously creative director at VCCP, Kimberley brings a wealth of experience with notable recent projects including Virgin Media O2’s ‘Switch Up’ and ‘Wear la Rose’ for the brand’s sponsorship of England Rugby. Prior to VCCP, Kimberley spent 14 years at BBH, working across brands including Barclays and Refuge. She was integral to the client relationship with the latter and its campaigns to end domestic abuse. Her work on its ‘50th Anniversary’ campaign highlighting the rise of tech abuse scooped multiple creative awards. 

Following social pitch wins for Skoda and Morrisons, Leo Burnett has also appointed Bethany Manning as creative director. With over a decade of experience at creative agencies in Melbourne and London, she joins from We Are Social, where she was creative lead on campaigns for brands including Starbucks, Coca-Cola, and McCain Foods. Bethany is a staunch supporter of emerging talent, acting as a juror at the UK Young Lions 2023 and working alongside students from both SCA and BIMA to give insight and advice to the industry’s next generation.

Kimberley Gill, creative director, Leo Burnett said, “So thrilled to be joining the lovely folks at Leo Burnett. They’ve got creative firepower, an enviable client list (that even my mum’s heard of) and are Campaign’s creative Agency of the Year twice in a row. What a treat!”

Beth Manning, creative director, Leo Burnett said, “At a time when the team are moving from strength to strength, I couldn’t be more excited to get stuck in at Leo’s. Ambitions across the agency are high and I’m looking forward to bringing my digital thinking and social experience to a fresh landscape of clients and creative opportunity.”

Mark Elwood, chief creative officer, Leo Burnett added, “We’re having another strong start to the year creatively at Leo Burnett. Kim and Beth will only make that stronger, they both bring differing skill sets, thinking and experiences to our department, which is always what we’re shopping for. I’m looking forward to working alongside them both.”