Cossette promotes three

Cossette has announced three promotions, highlighted by the agency moving Myriam Veilleux to vice president, business lead. Veilleux most recently worked as the shop’s principal director and business lead.

The agency also promoted Patrick Michaud to vice president, creation. Michaud has been with the agency for seven years, and previously worked as creative director at Saint-Jacques Vallée Y&R.

Richard Villeneuve, a nearly 20-year agency vet, has been appointed to vice president of creative for Cossette Québec. He most recently worked as a creative director.

Brandish makes Justine Dechaine a partner

Winnipeg-based ad agency Brandish has made a new addition to its executive team, with Justine Dechaine officially becoming a partner.

Dechaine has developed a multifaceted role at Brandish as the shop’s director of operations and recruitment. She was also a key player in Brandish’s recent merger with Alberta’s Red The Agency, which allowed Brandish to significantly expand its scope of work and its client base into Western Canada. As Brandish enters new markets and connects with new clients, it says Dechaine’s role as a partner will be an asset in scaling the agency.

Before joining Brandish, Dechine worked as a digital marketing manager for Winnipeg’s Direct Focus Marketing Communications, overseeing a team which handled digital ad campaigns, social content and community management, and data analytics.

Her stint at Brandish began in 2020 when she joined as the agency’s operations manager before transitioning into the director of operations role in 2022.

“She’s been a driving force behind our growth and evolution over the last three years,” says Lee Waltham, co-founder and managing partner of Brandish. “From tackling the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic ups and downs to navigating through an exciting merger, Justine’s leadership has been critical to our agency.”

Blackjet launches the “Floating Creds Deck” to connect with vacationing clients

Blackjet is floating a new idea to connect with clients.

The shop is introducing the “Floating Creds Deck,” a fully-functional floatie adorned with a deep dive into Blackjet’s credentials, providing an overview of the agency’s services and offerings, as well as a selection of case studies. It’s all designed to be enjoyed while drifting in the lake or the pool, floating along a lazy river or flying down a waterslide.

The deck’s debut is strategically being timed for delivery just ahead of the May long weekend.

Mad Social Agency heads eastward

Winnipeg’s Mad Social Agency is expanding into the Toronto market.

The agency was founded by 22-year-old entrepreneur Maddie Thompson. Thompson says the extension, with three team members working in Toronto, allows the agency to work with a more diverse range of clients in a new city.

The Toronto team will offer a full suite of services, including social media management, content creation, branding and digital advertising.

Its client roster has included a variety of brands, such as Audi Winnipeg, as well as local full service airline Calm Air.