Chris Dallin has joined Karacters Design Group, DDB Canada’s integrated branding and design division, as director of branding and design.

The 20-year industry veteran will be working closely with Karacters CD James Bateman, bringing his experience in strategic planning, creative thinking and branding insight to the fore to help Karacters further deepen its presence regionally, nationally and internationally. His remit will also see him craft creative brand solutions for clients, including brand identity, creative platforms, packaging and environmental design.

“Chris Dallin has a wealth of experience in the brand identity and design space,” says Lance Saunders, EVP managing director, DDB Canada, Vancouver. “He has the unique balance of being both a business strategist in understanding how client problems can be cracked through great design, but also understands how it fits into the larger picture of the brand communication needs. Additionally, having worked in this market for years he also understands the cost pressures clients are under in this market and is bringing new skills in making us more competitive so clients better recognize the immense value that the Karacters offering provides to them.”

Prior to Dallin’s arrival from Red Rocket Creative Strategies where he led brand strategy, day-to-day management and leadership of Karacters was handled by Bateman and Megan McCord, former Karacters director of client services. McCord left after 30 years in the marcom industry to pursue other interests.

“Not only do I ascribe to DDB’s belief that creativity is the most powerful force in business, but I’ve been a long-time fan of Karacters’ world-class work,” said Dallin. “The opportunity to lead the team at Karacters was an opportunity I could not pass up.”