Jon Elsom is Group Executive Creative Director at McCann, based in London with creative oversight of six McCann offices and working on UK and global integrated accounts.

He has over 30 years’ experience as an advertising creative, starting out as a starry-eyed copywriter on the ad course at Watford under the legendary Tony Cullingham.

His longest stint at an agency was 12 years at DLKW (Delaney Fletcher Bozell when he joined them, MullenLowe now) where he helped grow the agency from 50 people to 400+, transforming into an integrated, trophy-winning behemoth, especially feared by all in pitches. He’s now also been at McCann for 9 years, so he’s no creative flibbertigibbet.

Jon is a tireless advocate for creativity and fiercely protecting it for the greater good of both creatives and the agency. He believes in great work that works great, never creativity just for its own sake. At every agency he’s worked in he’s made it his mission to win as many pitches and awards as possible. A win-win for all sides of the business. He’s helped change agencies’ fortunes and won many Lions, Pencils and other gongs at the major global and UK shows. He has a strong work ethic, believing success lies in Craft and Graft. His other motto, and aim for the creativity he fosters, is Growth and Glory.

Jon also teaches creativity for ELVTR, with his popular online course, Becoming A Creative Director.

Other stuff he likes to do is noodle around with a bit of fiction and short film writing, play golf and football, and spend time with his family.