MKTG Appoints Victoria Azarian Chief Creative Officer, US

MKTG, Dentsu Aegis Network’s leading global lifestyle marketing agency, has appointed Victoria Azarian as its new chief creative officer for the US. As brands are increasingly focused on experiences that engage consumers and tell the story and value of their brands, Azarian will lead the charge for the creative output of all of MKTG’s integrated, business-oriented marketing solutions. Specifically, MKTG works with leading brands including Diageo, FedEx, Nike, P&G and Toyota via sports and entertainment sponsorship, live events, retail marketing, and enterprise/B2B engagement.

Azarian has led a successful career at Ogilvy New York for the past 15 years, serving as executive creative director and a member of the Executive Leadership team and Worldwide Creative Council. Her passion is to connect brands to cultural moments that make an impact on society and the client’s bottom line. She has worked on many notable blue-chip brands including: IBM, IKEA, Kimberly-Clark, Poland Spring, Nationwide, Philips, LPGA, Citizens Bank and Unilever.

Under Azarian’s creative leadership, Kimberly Clark became one of Effie’s Marketer of the Year in 2013. She also contributed to IBM’s 2019 Effie ‘5 for 50’ Award win, which recognizes effectiveness, relevance and sustained business success year-over-year. Her work for IBM is also on display at the Henry Ford Museum of Innovation in the form of The Thinking Dress. This collaboration with IBM Watson + Marchesa made its debut on the red carpet at the Met Gala in 2016. Her work has also been recognised by the Smithsonian Design Museum for Design Excellence for a Smarter Planet. As a result of her work, Azarian was named one of the “New Icons in Creativity” by Adweek in 2019.

Azarian also regularly combines her professional expertise with a passion for giving back. She received the Advocate Award from MAKERS, a women’s leadership platform that highlights the stories of today’s groundbreaking women to inspire the leaders of tomorrow. Additionally, she is a guest lecturer for New York University, where she educates students on the impact brands have on society and helps them find a voice in the industry.

Azarian lives in Brooklyn with her daughter, Elle who as a young activist, is already making change.

Jacki Kelley, CEO, Americas, Dentsu Aegis Network said: “Victoria is simply a best-in-class creative leader who understands the shift to idea led integrated solutions that are critical to every brand. She is an inspiration to her clients, her co-workers, her students and everyone who comes into contact with her. I’m excited to see her contributions to MKTG as we continue to expand the value we bring to our clients.”

Azarian said: "MKTG is a great fit. Its culture of collaboration mixed with talented people with soul and integrity is what inspired me most. Experiences created throughout the consumer journey are the truest expression of a brand’s purpose. I’m looking forward to what we will create together with our valued brand partners through all elements of the marketing mix.”

Azarian’s appointment is effective immediately.