More about the role:We're looking for a visionary, hands-on
EVP, US Head of Strategy to lead and scale our strategic discipline across the agency. In this role, you will be the chief architect of how we uncover game-changing insights, craft world-class creative strategies, and build cross-channel connections (paid, owned, earned) for the world's most future-focused AI, technology and innovation-driven brands.
As a senior agency leader and active practitioner, you will bridge deep cultural and media intelligence with high-stakes business growth. You will serve as an accelerant and catalyst for strategy across Axicom and the broader Burson Group and WPP network, acting as a trusted advisor to C-suite clients, driving major new business pitches, and guiding high-performing account leads to deliver strategic excellence. An entrepreneurial spirit, a Futurist, Not Follower mindset, and a commitment to calculated bravery are essential.
This role is agency, industry and client-facing and requires the ability to present research and strategy to all these audiences as a recognized thought leader.
What you'll do:- Strategic Practice Leadership & Rigor: Define, advocate for, and uphold the integrity of Axicom's strategic planning process-from brief to execution. Build a unified, high-octane way of working across the agency -- and the US Burson Group -- to establish best practices for brand positioning, research synthesis, and creative briefing.
- Narrative Development & Storytelling Architect: Craft high-stakes narrative frameworks, brand messaging, and story arcs that translate complex technology and AI innovations into compelling, human-centric positioning for clients and major brand moments.
- Integrated Strategy Development: Lead the development of ambitious, multi-channel connection strategies. Take core creative ideas and seamlessly integrate them across paid, owned, and earned media (PR, social, digital, influencers, content, SEO)-utilizing calculated bravery to push brands into uncharted territory.
- Creative Catalyst & Briefing: Partner hand-in-hand with creative leads to translate research, data, and cultural cues into sharp creative briefs and truths. Architect "big ideas" built for multi-channel success, ensuring work is optimized for maximum resonance in every channel.
- New Business Driver: Serve as the strategic lead in high-stakes new business pitches. Mobilize cross-functional teams (research, data analytics, communications planning, digital, and creative) to deliver winning, narrative-driven strategy.
- C-Suite Client Counsel: Serve as a recognized thought leader and trusted advisor to senior executives at cutting-edge tech, AI and innovation-driven companies, delivering smart, effective solutions to complex communications and business challenges in a fast-paced environment.
- Team Building & Mentorship: Inspire, build, and lead a lean, dynamic team. Cultivate an environment where ideas flourish, instilling a mindset of curiosity, future-forward integrated thinking, and strategic rigor across the practice.
- Insight & Cultural Intelligence: Serve as an ongoing source of intelligence for the agency. Harness audience data, cultural cues, and emerging tech trends to help client teams stay ahead of the curve and pinpoint high-impact audience segments.
- IP & Thought Leadership: Partner across Axicom and Burson/WPP to develop agency Intellectual Property, original points of view on cultural/category trends, and represent Axicom externally on industry panels, conventions, and speaking engagements.
- Network & Collaboration Hub: Connect research, insights and intelligence, digital, PR, and creative teams across Axicom and the broader Burson Group and WPP network to ensure cohesive, integrated campaign execution.
Experience that contributes to success:- 15+ Years of Experience: Deep background in cultural, integrated, media, or strategic planning within an agency setting (PR, digital, creative, or communications consultancy).
- Technology Sector Expertise and Track Record: Deep experience with AI, B2B and consumer technology brands is required, including high-growth enterprise verticals. Experience with tech sector-focused earned media is a major plus.
- Strategic & Analytical Mastery: Plugged into culture and emerging trends and highly adept at interpreting complex data and extracting actionable insights into compelling narratives and ideas that impact clients and their stakeholders.
- Futurist & Tech-Savvy: Deeply passionate about technology, AI, and emerging media trends, with a proven track record of pioneering multi-channel strategies.
- Entrepreneurial & Hands-On: Thrives in fast-paced, high-velocity environments. You possess a "roll-up-your-sleeves" work ethic and prefer active creation over corporate oversight.
- Master Storyteller & Communicator: Outstanding executive presence with a track record of pitching, presenting, and persuading C-suite clients and internal stakeholders.
- Inclusive Leader & Coach: Proven talent for attracting, mentoring, and retaining strategic talent while fostering a collaborative, diverse, and accountable team culture.
#LI-FB1Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package; click here for more details: https://mybenefits.wpp.com/public/welcome.
The base salary for this position at the time of this posting may range between:
$155,000-$390,000 USD
You belong at Axicom:Our vision is for Axicom, a Burson Group company, to be the leading 'academy company' for creative communications professionals and emerging leaders. We provide a dynamic environment where ambitious colleagues come to elevate their skills, expand their networks, and ultimately, produce the best solutions for today's leading brands. Our commitment to your growth is reflected in our robust benefits and people programs, which include professional development opportunities, mentorship programs with industry leaders, a vibrant and inclusive company culture fostering collaboration and innovation and packages designed to reward and retain top talent. We invest in our people because we believe their success is our success.
At Axicom, we're an agency of learn-it-alls. We recognize that the things we do best, creativity and communications, require a level of nuanced understanding. That's why it's imperative for us to hire extraordinarily talented people of all backgrounds and identities. Without that we can't do the essential work of inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue, cultivating meaningful experiences, and driving innovation and creativity for our partners. Your unique point of view-your talent-is what makes you a #BursonPerson, and it's how we deliver exceptional results for our clients, together.
We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
