Moving the Needle: Kelly Preston

At DDB, our people are the heart and soul to our agency. We believe that the inclusivity of thought and background leads to when we, as a company, are able to be the most authentic and creative. Thus, allowing creativity to be the most powerful force within our business; it has the power to make people laugh, cry, think, alter their behaviour, create change for the world, and impact culture.  

1) Name, Title, Office, Link to LinkedIn Page  

Kelly> Kelly Preston account director at adam&eveDDB West

2) How did you wind up in advertising?  

Kelly> My path to advertising began with my studies in Communications at Boston College. Through my studies, I figured out I wanted to start my career in an agency setting, where creativity and strategy intersect. During my senior year, I had the opportunity to intern at Arnold Worldwide, which solidified my passion for the industry. That experience launched my career in account management, a role I’ve embraced and grown in ever since!

3) What is a piece of creative that you worked on that particularly moved you?  

Kelly> One of the most moving projects I’ve worked on was Persepolis Reimagined, an immersive website created with The Getty to bring the ancient city of Persepolis to life. This ground breaking digital recreation allowed users to explore the art, architecture, and customs of the Persian Empire at its height.

Developed in partnership with Getty curators, historians, and our agency team, the project was a true beast but resulted in a beautiful and well-crafted educational experience. The final product was a testament to the power of teamwork and a vivid example of how creativity and technology can preserve and reimagine history.

4) What does your daily routine consist of? 

Kelly> My daily routine varies, as no two days are ever the same. I do, however, always prioritise health and wellness. I make time to work out every day, whether it’s a run or a (F45) group fitness class. Lately, I’ve also been into cooking at home and enjoy using ChatGPT to help with meal planning, which adds a creative touch to my evenings.

5) When do you feel the most powerful?

Kelly> I feel the most powerful when our team is operating as a unified, all-hands-on-deck unit. There’s a unique energy in seeing everyone collaborate seamlessly toward a shared goal. It’s even more rewarding when our clients view us as true partners - an extension of their team - working together with us to bring ideas to life and drive impact.

6) Which of the DDB Four Freedoms is the most important to you and why?

Kelly> 'Freedom from Chaos' is the DDB Freedom I value most because it’s essential for creating a productive and creative environment. As an account lead, I prioritise keeping my team calm, focused, and aligned by setting clear objectives, fostering transparency, and streamlining processes. By reducing chaos, I enable my team to stay focused, deliver their best work, and bring their ideas to life.

7) What is one source of creative inspiration you draw from outside of work?  

Kelly> One source of creative inspiration for me is where I live - the city of San Francisco. It’s a city that celebrates creativity and encourages its residents to embrace their differences and eccentricity. From the trails of Golden Gate Park to the unique energy of its residents, San Francisco’s individuality and creativity constantly inspire me to think differently and approach challenges with fresh perspectives.

8) Who are your creative heroes?

Kelly> Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with incredibly talented creatives, such as adam&eveDDB West’s female creative leaders, Jo Creswell and Sian Coole. Jo and Sian have a unique ability to generate fresh ideas, push for excellence, and foster a culture where creativity can come from anywhere.

Outside of work, my creative heroes are musical legends I’ve admired since childhood, such as Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Nicks, and the Rolling Stones. Their mastery of storytelling, emotional connection, and timeless innovation has profoundly shaped my understanding of creativity and its power to inspire.

9) Wishes or aspirations for the advertising industry? 

Kelly> My wish for the advertising industry is to continue being brave - challenging clients to take meaningful stances on important issues and pushing boundaries to create work that truly resonates. I also hope we see a greater celebration of diversity, with more representation of different cultures and, in particular, the elevation of creative women to leadership roles.

10) How are you moving the advertising industry forward? 

Kelly> I strive to move the advertising industry forward by fostering a productive but fun environment for my teams, with no egos, where creativity can thrive. I focus on maintaining a balance of optimism and real talk, recognising how powerful this balance is for building trust with both teams and clients. By combining positivity with honest, open communication, I create an environment that encourages collaboration, strengthens relationships, and drives impactful work.

11) What has been your most measurable impact?

Kelly> I believe my most measurable impact lies in my management and mentorship. Guiding and empowering junior account professionals has become one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career. I take pride in fostering their growth and confidence, equipping them with the tools to excel. Seeing those I’ve mentored thrive and advance as leaders within the agency world and beyond is a legacy I’m incredibly proud to contribute to.   

12) Lasting words to leave us with

Kelly> We’re fortunate to work in a creative, collaborative, and ever-evolving industry. Be kind to each other and remember - at the end of the day, it’s just advertising!