Zulu Alpha Kilo bolsters strategic leadership in Vancouver with big hire out of New York

 

Zulu Alpha Kilo
Advertising/Full Service/Integrata
Toronto, Canada
See Profile

 

After an extensive North American search, independent creative shop Zulu Alpha Kilo has announced the addition of Erica Shalinsky as Executive Strategy Director of its Vancouver office.

She joins Zulu from BBDO New York where she served as VP, Strategy Director and helped steer Ford’s future technologies division globally, building new brand platforms and consumer experiences for electric and autonomous vehicles. In addition to her creative agency leadership, Erica brings a background of business transformation as a management consultant with Deloitte supporting strategy across public and private sector clients. Her experience extends to companies including Microsoft, Ford, Shell, T-Mobile, The Gap and Bank of America.

"I’ve had my eye on Zulu for some time now, so it was pretty incredible when I heard they were coming here to Vancouver,” says Shalinsky. “The team is super strong and it’s a thrill to join at a time when there’s so much momentum.”

The addition of Shalinsky brings Zulu’s headcount in Vancouver to 10 full-time staff who are backed by 140 Zuligans across Toronto and New York. She joins Managing Director, David Tremblay and Executive Creative Directors Dean Lee and Michael Mayes to form Zulu’s west coast leadership team. The agency’s western-based clients include a2 Milk, Destination BC, Save-On-Foods, Subaru Canada’s western dealers, ToursByLocals, and The Vancouver Island Ferry Company.

“Finding a talent like Erica with global experience to join our growing Vancouver team is beyond exciting. And the fact that she grew up in Vancouver is even better,” says President & CEO, Mike Sutton. “Erica has spent her career turning complex brand, creative and technology problems into transformational business opportunities for global brands and I can’t wait to see the impact she has for our clients.”

This latest announcement follows what has been a year of growth, expansion, and accolades for the independent Canadian shop. Aside from the Vancouver expansion, Zulu’s first international office opened under the leadership of former Droga5 creative leader Tim Gordon. In 2022, Zulu ranked amongst the top ten independent agencies at Cannes, One Show and D&AD. The shop was also awarded International Small Agency of the Year by AdAge and Campaign US Independent agency of the year. And for the fifth year running, Deloitte named Zulu one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies. 

Want to make your company shine?
» Switch to a Starter Profile
Join
The Creative Industry Network

List your company among the leaders of the industry, promote your competencies, showcase your work & join an exclusive global marketing and creative industry network.

Create Your Company Profile