This article first appeared in AdWeek.
Pearlfisher has named Jason Brown as its first global CEO, a new role in the independent agency’s 32-year history as it takes the next steps in its long-term growth and evolution plan. Jason joins Pearlfisher in April and will be based in New York, where he will lead global business growth across both Pearlfisher Studios.
As Pearlfisher’s new Global CEO, Jason will bring the breadth of his business experience built on a creative and strategic foundation, which will be combined with vision, energy and entrepreneurialism to unite and lead the next phase of Pearlfisher.
Formerly Partner, President at Godfrey Dadich Partners (GDP) New York, Jason was previously responsible for leading their East Coast business. With an award-winning design industry career spanning more than 25 years, Jason trained as a designer and worked up to several Head of Design positions before achieving recognition as an accomplished industry speaker and business leader. He boasts an impressive agency history which includes Interbrand and Fahrenheit 212, together with running his own agency, Dan + Jason + Co.
Mike Branson, Founding Partner & Group Chairman, said, “It’s a pivotal time for the future of design in an industry that is evolving more rapidly than ever before. In recognition of this, and as we push forward with our own long-term growth and evolution plans, Jason’s appointment marks an exciting and significant development for us. He is a world-class creative business leader who will add another dimension – over and above the skills and experiences of our very talented and capable leadership teams – as we look ahead.”
Jason will work closely with the leadership teams across both Pearlfisher New York and London studios, to unlock future potential and adapt to evolving business needs and directions. Mike Branson and fellow Founding Partner & Group Creative Director, Jonathan Ford, will support Jason as they continue in their respective business roles for the foreseeable future.
Jonathan said, “During 2023 we undertook an extensive search to find someone who has the talent, experience and potential to grow in a top role and lead the way into the future. A blend of business savviness, respect for creative excellence, strategic know-how and a can-do ambitious approach, all held within a great character, was high on our criteria list. We believe Jason has all these qualities and more and, therefore, is very well-equipped and qualified to step up to the challenges and responsibilities of this new role. Jason is a great fit with our culture and our bold, lucid and unexpected brand values, and we welcome him to Pearlfisher’s future.”
Jason comments, “I’m honored to be entrusted with leading Pearlfisher into its next chapter of growth and impact. As someone who began his career as a designer, I’ve followed the work of Pearlfisher for decades. Mike, Jonathan, Karen and the entire team have built an industry-defining firm—bringing legendary brands to market, driving measurable consumer desire and delivering real value for their clients. In the design world, Pearlfisher is a household name representing a true bar of excellence. My ambition is simply to grow and protect the Pearlfisher legacy for decades to come.”
