Anthem Expands North American Brand Development Leadership Team

NEW YORK, Dec. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthem, a global creative agency that actively connects brands with consumers by amplifying desirability from package design to brand campaign to drive brand performance, expands its North American brand development group with three key appointments.

In response to the increased demand for Anthem's strategic brand development offering, it has expanded its Americas team with the leadership appointments of Wendy Kufeldt as managing director for Anthem's Toronto office, Linda Bracanovich as managing director for Anthem's San Francisco office, and Ron Vandenberg, as executive creative director, working out of Anthem San Francisco.

"Our key objective for these organizational hires is to build on Anthem's positive momentum and marketplace success with continued commitment, strength and strategic leadership," said Janice Jaworski, vice president, brand development, Americas.

As managing director of Anthem Toronto, Wendy Kufeldt leads Anthem's Canadian operations, delivering strategic brand development solutions for clients across North America. Kufeldt brings to Anthem a depth of experience driving integrated consumer and shopper engagement strategies for top 100 global brands primarily in the packaged goods, retail, and consumer electronics sectors. Wendy comes to Anthem from Acosta Mosaic Group, and is the winner of the 2014 Acosta North American Chairman's Award for Innovation. Wendy has also had client side experiences at Cadbury Chocolate and Russell Stover.

Kufeldt noted, "I am excited to join such an acclaimed team known for their strategic and creative talent, and extensive global network. I look forward to partnering with our clients to develop strategies that drive brand growth and competitive advantage."

As managing director of Anthem San Francisco, Linda Bracanovich is a facilitator for effective marketing, business development, and team leadership. Bracanovich brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles, working with and for leading brand consultancy and creative firms, including Omnicom's Siegel & Gale and Wolff Olins, Dentsu-Aegis' ATTIK, and IPG's FCB. Her collaborative approach has led to trusted partnerships with some of the world's largest global brands.

Bracanovich said, "By using strategically-infused design thinking, we catalyze our clients' brands to emotionally resonate, inspire action, and drive growth. I'm thrilled to be working with our exceptional Anthem team to engage in deeper client partnerships that co-create compelling brands, and uncover new growth opportunities."

With an illustrious career span of 25+ years Ron Vandenberg has held executive creative director roles with some of the worlds leading brand and design consultancies where he contributed to creating some of the most recognized and iconic brands. This body of Fortune 100 work, created by Vandenberg and his teams, has been recognized by every major industry awards show including an unprecedented three CLIO awards in a single year. Along the way he co-founded and built three brand agencies: Futurebrand, Blue Mint (which was acquired by SGK in 2003 and was rebranded Anthem), and Merchant.

"Ron is not one to stand still while the industry evolves to meet the expectations of each new generation of consumers," added Jaworski. "His return as executive creative director comes at a time when many large CPG, retail and service companies are pressed to find ways to build deeper connections with consumers through innovation, transparency and social good."

"I've had a great relationship with SGK right from the moment our paths crossed," said Vandenberg. "I'm most excited that I have the opportunity to be part of such a dynamic group, work with amazingly talented creative teams and clients, and return to my roots in Anthem's San Francisco office."

Jaworski concluded: "These recent brand development leadership appointments expand and solidify the team tasked with building business in North America to drive brand performance for our clients across consumer packaged goods, retail and healthcare sectors."

To read "Beyond the Buzzwords: A Q&A with Branding Guru Ron Vandenberg" visit: http://www.sgkinc.com/insights-marketing/marketing-blog/Beyond-the-Buzzwords-with-Branding-Guru-Ron-Vandenberg

Anthem is a global creative agency that actively connects brands with people by amplifying desirability—creating an insatiable thirst for brands from package design to brand campaign. Anthem sells brands to drive brand performance. Anthem is part of the brand development group of SGK. SGK is a division of Matthews International Corporation (NASDAQ GSM: MATW). For more information visit: http://www.anthemww.com

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