Draftfcb appoints Rob Nielsen as global creative lead on the huge Beiersdorf account

Draftfcb has appointed Rob Nielsen to global executive creative director on its massive Beiersdorf assignment, which spans more than 90 countries worldwide.

Nielsen (left) will work as the creative partner to Erika Darmstaedter, who recently joined the team as global business leader, and also to Gaby Bell, global planning director on Beiersdorf. The extended global leadership team, which is based in London and Hamburg, also includes Phil Nunn, Draftfcb’s global communications architect, and Maggie Roberts, global project director.

“Rob’s experience working on global brands for such major marketers as Heinz, McDonald’s, P&G, Nintendo and Unilever, among others, makes him the perfect addition to our newly strengthened global team,” said Erika Darmstaedter. “He has received numerous awards at prestigious ad festivals including Cannes, D&AD, IPA Effectiveness Awards and Eurobest and I know he’s going to bring this outstanding creative ambition to the account.”

Darmstaedter added: “We are confident that the stewardship model we’ve developed with Beiersdorf, and the best-in-class global talent working on the account, are the key to continued success.”

Nielsen will join Draftfcb 1n October and be based in the Hamburg agency. His international experience spans more than 20 years having worked for agencies in Dubai, Singapore, Moscow and London at some of the world’s best-known advertising networks including Leo Burnett, McCann Erickson as creative director, and more recently at JWT, BBH and BBDO.  He joins Draftfcb from Saatchi & Saatchi where he was regional creative director for Europe, Middle East and Africa on the Head & Shoulders account for Procter & Gamble.

“I’m looking forward to working with Beiersdorf’s truly iconic brands and closely with Erika, Gaby and the team,” said Nielsen. “Draftfcb’s fully integrated model is ideal for my experience which covers digital, point of sale, design, public relations and traditional advertising media.”

Nielsen will report into Jonathan Harries, Draftfcb vice chairman and global chief creative officer, who will continue to act in an executive advisory role to ensure a smooth transition.