Torode 'returns home' to Ogilvy as group strategy chief

Ogilvy UK has lured Amelia Torode from WPP Open X to take up the role of group head of strategy, marking her return to where it all began, having started her career at Ogilvy after graduating as a WPP marketing fellow in 2000.

For the past two years Torode has been chief strategy lead in Europe on WPP Open X for The Coca-Cola Company, leading its integrated brand and marketing experience strategy for Coke Zero, Fanta, Sprite and Oasis.

Her campaigns, which ran across key EU markets, included Coke and FA Premier League, Fanta and Halloween, and European marketing transformation and innovation projects. She will continue to work on the Coca-Cola account at Ogilvy UK.

Torode’s previous agency roles have included chief strategy officer at TBWA\London and head of strategy and innovation at VCCP, with clients including as Airbnb, Unilever, Microsoft, O2 and Comparethemarket.com.

She most recently founded and ran the global strategy consultancy, The Fawnbrake Collective.

In her new role, Torode will oversee Ogilvy UK’s 97-strong strategy team across their five businesses – advertising brand and content, PR social and influence, consulting, ehalth and Ogilvy One.

She will partner James Murphy, Tammy Einav, David Golding and the wider leadership.

Ogilvy UK exec planning partner and co-founder of NCA David Golding said: “I am properly thrilled Amelia is joining us. She’s among the best, most respected and most liked people in the business. A proper planner with an infectious energy and a commitment to brands, businesses and clients. We are lucky to have her.”

Torode added: “I’m delighted to be joining Ogilvy UK and the brilliant leadership team being built. I have loved my time at WPP Open X, working with The Coca-Cola Company was a career highlight, and I look forward to continuing working on their campaigns at Ogilvy UK.

“The ambition and energy in London are sky-high. My career began at Ogilvy New York, so this feels like coming home. David Ogilvy wrote the book on advertising — it’s time to imagine a new chapter.”