Amplify Expands LA Creative and Strategy Teams Following a String of Recent Wins

Amplify, the creative agency specialising in experience and culture, is expanding its Los Angeles-based team with three senior appointments, following recent wins and campaigns for brands including Activision, Eventbrite, Klarna, Pinterest, SheaMoisture and Spotify.

Jo Kang has been appointed as group creative director, reporting to chief creative officer, Jeavon Smith. Jo joins Amplify this month from Jack Morton Worldwide US, where she spent 11 years, most recently as VP group creative director. At Amplify, Jo will be the lead creative director based in its Los Angeles office, where her blend of US and UK experience will enable her to work across all clients to grow and develop the creative output of Amplify LA from a work, client and team perspective. 

Commenting on her new position, Jo said: “Amplify’s vision and approach to creative problem-solving have always impressed and attracted me. I love Amplify's focus on worldbuilding and culture curation which brings exciting opportunities to create experiences that break formats and nurture a lasting emotional legacy. I am excited and proud to join this team of brilliant thinkers, crafters, and creators.”

Jessica McCarthy joined as SVP operations in February from Imprint Projects where she was head of production. Jessica is responsible for the operational development of the LA office, ensuring sustainable and effective structures are put in place to support the growth of the agency in the North American market. Jessica reports to Mark McDermott, partner US and chief operating officer Lee Avery.

Kat Leinhart joined in May as creative strategist and is leading the agency’s strategic output in the US, working across all clients, reporting into McDermott and Bonnie O'Hara, US partner. Kat is working closely with Amplify’s clients and the creative team to create audience first, narrative-driven, culturally authentic strategy. Kat was most recently strategist at Imprint Projects, where she worked with a number of clients including Levi’s, Smashbox Open Studios and Amazon.

These appointments further support the growing agency following January’s addition of  business director, Emily Johns and creative and architect, Wendy Zhang. 

Mark McDermott, partner US said: “Our client growth across North America during the last year has grown our portfolio of work across a wide range of formats. Our focus remains to develop the team and take Amplify to even greater heights in the US, with a series of senior hires that demonstrate the importance we place in our creative and strategic talent.”  

Marcus Childs, chief Client officer (global) / president (US) said: “The investment in Amplify’s US office is a result of significant client wins and relationship growth over the past 12 months, as our LA team continues to go from strength to strength. We have an incredible network in London, Paris, LA and Sydney delivering award-winning campaigns, thought leadership and initiatives, and share Amplify’s strategic and creative approach with more clients, brands and audiences globally.