Arnold Bolsters Account and Strategy Teams with Two Key Hires

Creative agency Arnold Worldwide announced today the appointment of two senior executives across its account services and strategy departments: Andrew Krensky returns to the agency as managing director after more than a decade on the West Coast; and Archana Mahadevan comes on board as SVP strategy director.

Both execs will be assuming roles on key accounts and tasked with fostering client relationships and driving innovation across the agency. The hires come on the heels of impressive growth for the agency, including AOR wins for Walmart-owned Sam’s Club, PNC Bank, and Aura that were awarded in the past year in addition to continued momentum on existing business that includes long time partner, Progressive Insurance.

“We are thrilled to have Archana and Andrew join our team. They both bring a spirit of innovation and curiosity that is contagious. And I am excited for all that we will accomplish for our clients, together,” said Arnold CEO, George Sargent.

Andrew Krensky, managing director

As managing director, Andrew is responsible for overseeing account health, building client relationships, and helping drive innovation across the agency. His main focus will be leading the Sam’s Club business. Andrew will also serve as Executive Sponsor for Social Impact, where he will oversee community engagement initiatives.

Andrew is driven to redefine the boundaries of content, creativity and media to improve consumer experience, brand value and business results.  

He joins Arnold from LA-based Omelet, where, as partner, managing director he was responsible for the agency P/L, operations and leading client relationships. He also drove the agency's development of breakthrough marketing ideas for clients including Google, YouTube, Walmart, Kraft Heinz, Netflix, Mitsubishi Motors, and Red Bull, to name a few. While there, Andrew oversaw the three most profitable fiscal years in the agency’s 19-year history. He also developed Omelet’s 'Cheat Code' video game offering that increased agency revenue by 30% in its first two years.

An 'Arnold Boomerang,' Andrew previously worked at Arnold from 2008-2010 as client lead for Huntington Bank, Carnival Cruise Lines, and Citizens Bank. Past client experience includes Samsung, Coors, Pepsi, Walmart and Activision Blizzard at agencies like 72andSunny and TBWA/Chiat/Day.

Andrew’s personal commitments to DEIB & social impact include the Invisible Collective, a production company and diversity talent incubator where he served as executive advisor; consulting for Generation180, a clean energy non-profit; and serving as a mentor for the 4A’s Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP).

“I’m so excited to be coming back home and joining this new era of Arnold,” said Andrew. “It’s a very special place where creative ideas and media specific thinking are the core.”

Archana Mahadevan, SVP strategy director

As SVP strategy director, Archana will provide strategic leadership across Arnold’s existing clients.

With a career marked by strategic insight and creative excellence, Archana comes to Arnold from DDB, where she spent over eleven years, most recently as group strategy director. During her time there, Archana successfully shaped the narratives of well-known American brands, including State Farm, Conagra, La Quinta, LifeLock, and the US Army. With her experience in consumer behaviour, she has a proven track record of turning consumer empathy into measurable, future-friendly business impact.

Archana brings a unique perspective to her work, emphasising the importance of the 'immigrant gaze' in advertising – an aspect she believes is still significantly underrepresented in the industry. Her commitment to DEIB is evident not only in her strategic approach but also in her advocacy efforts. In 2022, she was recognised by ADCOLOR and inducted into its first class of rising leaders.

“I am so fortunate to join such a strong, well-established team working on iconic brands,” said Archana. “New beginnings signal the opportunity to refresh and reset. Getting to embrace that beginners mindset in everything I do is exciting. I am looking forward to connecting with my teammates, getting to experience Arnold’s amazing values, and forging strong relationships with clients.”