Observatory Named to Fast Company's 2020 World's Most Innovative Companies List
Creative agency was ranked one of the top 10 most innovative advertising companies
LOS ANGELES, March 12, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Multiple Emmy-, Cannes Lions Grand Prix- and Sundance-winning independent creative agency Observatory has been named to Fast Company's prestigious annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies for 2020.
The list honors the businesses making the most profound impact on both industry and culture, showcasing a variety of ways to thrive in today's fast-changing world. Observatory was ranked globally as one of the 10 most innovative companies in the advertising sector.
"We hold Fast Company and this list in such high regard," said Jae Goodman, Chief Executive Officer of Observatory. Goodman was named to Fast Company's original Most Creative People in Business list in 2014. "All of us at Observatory are over-the-top thrilled. Our challenge now is to take our client work to an even higher level, thereby proving we're worthy of this recognition!"
Observatory is an agency for the content era, moving brands beyond interruptive advertising to create and participate in culture. The former CAA Marketing became an independent agency in late 2017 with joint backing from The Stagwell Group and Creative Artists Agency, allowing it to combine CAA's entertainment connectivity and Stagwell's consumer insights.
"When we took the leap two years ago to reimagine and relaunch as Observatory, our business plan did not include 'success as a fait accompli,' and it sure didn't involve making this list. Thank you to our clients, colleagues and partners, and Fast Company for the tremendous vote of confidence."
In its 2020 Most Innovative Companies List, Fast Company describes Observatory as "helping to point the way forward for how brands can collaborate to create branded content that people actually want to watch."
Since its start two years ago, Observatory has created work as varied as the global launch of Marriott Bonvoy; MasterClass' first-ever brand campaign, built around Anna Wintour's "How to be a Boss"; VCA's "Pet Friendly," a scripted episodic comedic series by Whitney Cummings; the creation of Bonobos' #EvolveTheDefinition ad campaign, which won YouTube's Ad Of The Year That Rewrites The Rules; and The History of "La Cerveza Más Fina," Corona Mexico's best-performing campaign in Corona's 100-year history.
Observatory is guarded about its client list, but in addition to the brands mentioned above, the agency works with a mass retailer, an automotive company, an entertainment juggernaut, and a sports and apparel brand.
Fast Company's editors and writers sought out the most groundbreaking businesses on the planet and across myriad industries. They also judged nominations received through their application process.
The World's Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company's signature franchise and one of its most highly anticipated editorial efforts of the year. It provides both a snapshot and a road map for the future of innovation across the most dynamic sectors of the economy.
"At a time of increasing global volatility, this year's list showcases the resilience and optimism of businesses across the world. These companies are applying creativity to solve challenges within their industries and far beyond," said Fast Company senior editor Amy Farley, who oversaw the issue with deputy editor David Lidsky.
Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies issue is now available online at fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/2020.
ABOUT OBSERVATORY
Observatory is an agency for the content era, with wins at Sundance, the Emmys, and Cannes Lions Grand Prix. It focuses on building brands and driving business results through brand stories that attract and engage audiences rather than interrupt and annoy them. With deep roots in entertainment, Observatory started as CAA Marketing in 2006, then became independent in late 2017 with joint backing by The Stagwell Group and Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Observatory does not publish its client list. A range of work is available at www.observatoryagency.com.
ABOUT FAST COMPANY
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Since 2011, Fast Company has received some of the most prestigious editorial and design accolades, including the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) National Magazine Award for "Magazine of the Year," Adweek's Hot List for "Hottest Business Publication," and six gold medals and 10 silver medals from the Society of Publication Designers. The editor-in-chief is Stephanie Mehta and the publisher is Amanda Smith. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com.
SOURCE Observatory
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