Jesse Wilks (pictured, above left) and Gerardo Agbuya (above right) have been promoted to creative director positions at 123w as the agency looks to continue the momentum for its Toronto office.

Agbuya and Wilks have been a creative pairing for a decade and joined 123w in 2021, part of a wave of hires at what was then the agency’s year-old Toronto office. The pair quickly established themselves working on campaigns for clients that include the Real Canadian Superstore, CAA, Sapporo and Explore Seattle Southside. They had previously worked at VCCP in San Francisco and New York, but also had stints at Juniper Park\TBWA and John St. They have worked on brands including Audi, GoDaddy, Miller Lite and President’s Choice.

“It’s rare to find great creatives who are the best at their craft, but also great creative leaders who lead and inspire. Jesse and Gerardo are just those types of people,” says Mo Bofill, partner at 123w. “They care deeply about not only the work, but the people they work with. They have an infectious energy for their craft, and they inspire me, and anyone who works with them, to be better. We couldn’t be more excited to have them help shape and evolve the future of One Twenty Three West.”

The pair will play key roles in 123w’s continued growth. In recent months, the agency has won assignments from No Frills, Dairy Farmers of BC and bubble tea brand Chatime, among others. Wilks and Agbuya are “excited to expand 123w’s presence in Toronto and beyond,” the latter says.

“There’s such great trajectory and momentum and we can’t wait to keep pushing it further,” adds Wilks.