TBWA\Chiat\Day Los Angeles Elevates Courtney Nelson to President

TBWA\Chiat\Day LA proudly announces the promotion of Courtney Nelson to President. This strategic move comes at a pivotal time for the agency, positioning Nelson to spearhead day-to-day operations in the LA office. She will collaborate closely with TBWA\Chiat\Day US CEO Erin Riley and work in tandem with leadership in New York and Nashville, reaffirming the agency's commitment to a new class of disruptive ideas and doubling down on creative excellence.

This elevation coincides with a period of remarkable momentum for the LA agency with multiple new business wins including Sephora, Jack in the Box and a soon-to-be-announced iconic fashion brand. In addition to adding consumer facing brands, the agency also welcomed two new complex business brands into its portfolio by leaning into its strong B2B credentials.

In her new role as President, Nelson will oversee the agency's overall performance, growth and strategic direction while ensuring the agency continues to push creative boundaries. She will act as key liaison for client partners and continue to drive the expansion of key products and offerings, including Design x Disruption (DXD), PLEX, and more.

“As a leader, one of the greatest joys is seeing good, smart people thrive, and that is certainly the case with Courtney,” says TBWA\Chiat\Day US CEO Erin Riley. “Her journey has equipped her with a deep respect for illuminating strategy and the highest standard for creative excellence. It is that keen perspective that has made her an important contributor to our current success and the perfect leader to continually up our game. I am so grateful that the two of us have an opportunity to grow into new roles, but stay working together at an agency we love.”

Nelson joined TBWA\Chiat\Day in 2021 as Managing Director, bringing with her two decades of experience working for agencies such as Wieden + Kennedy, Goodby, Silverstein & Partners and Deutsch. She has helped build many iconic brands including Nike, Instagram, Levi’s, P&G and General Motors. Originally trained on Disruption while at TBWA\Chiat\Day from 2005-2008, she embodies a career-long commitment to the potent combination of strategy and creativity.

“I have always been deeply passionate about creativity and the idea of Disruption, so in many ways, coming back to Chiat felt like coming home,” says Courtney Nelson, TBWA\Chiat\Day LA President. “To be given the honor to lead this agency alongside the many talented people here fills me with immense pride. I’m excited to take our agency and creativity to the next level."

The promotion of Nelson, in conjunction with Erin Riley's appointment as US CEO, underscores TBWA's collective commitment to nurturing and recognizing the most senior women within its ranks. This internal advancement not only showcases the agency's dedication to fostering opportunities for growth and development, but also ensures a stable and thriving environment for both clients and agency employees.