DEPT® expands Strategy team with new Brand Strategy Director
DEPT® is expanding its Strategy team in the Netherlands with the appointment of Vincent Johnson as Director of Brand Strategy EMEA.
He will work directly with clients such as Stokke, Philips and Logitech and report to Rens Verweij, VP of Creative Strategy for Europe.
Johnson brings over a decade of experience developing brand strategies and campaigns for global brands, including adidas, Google, Samsung, and Gatorade. He joins from ACE and has previously worked at 180 Amsterdam, Wieden+Kennedy London, and Jellyfish.
Johnson has delivered standout campaigns across sports, technology, and consumer brands, from helping TK Maxx win Christmas with their dancing Lil’ Goat campaign and launching Three’s 5G offering in the UK, to creating Stormzy’s first-of-its-kind interactive concert on Spotify for Rockstar Energy and introducing the international adidas kits for the 2024 Euros and Copa América.
Named after Vincent van Gogh, Johnson embraces the artist’s philosophy: “Normality is a paved road: it’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it” – a mindset he brings to strategy by staying curious, challenging assumptions, and avoiding the obvious.
“The industry is shifting, and I want to be part of building the next wave of creative impact,” said Johnson. “DEPT® sits at the intersection of creativity and technology, and with so many tools and opportunities available, it’s an incredibly exciting time. I’m looking forward to making work that stands the test of time.”
“This day and age needs big thinkers. Thinkers who can think laterally across disciplines and unleash a healthy dose of empathy and creativity at the same time. This is exactly what Vincent brings to the team, and we couldn’t be happier. Next to that, he’s just a very nice guy who can’t stop talking about sports. What’s not to like?
”Rens Verweij, VP of Creative Strategy at DEPT®
This appointment follows DEPT®’s recent expansion of its global creative leadership, including Ben Williams as its first Global Chief Creative Officer, Carla del Porto as Executive Creative Director in the U.S., and Käthe Lisson as Executive Creative Director & VP Creative for DACH. The momentum continues DEPT®’s strong performance from last year, when the company marked its 10th anniversary, positioning itself as a Growth Invention Company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster.
