About

b. 1986, HK.

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Luiz’s Bio

Hey there, I’m Luiz,

Yup, with a “Z”. Back in Brazil, that’s just how we do it. But beyond those sandy shores, Luiz with a “Z” becomes a little unexpected, a tad quirky, and definitely one-of-a-kind. And hey, I like to think my choices reflect that same spirit.

From sunny Salvador to bustling Sao Paulo, then off to Hamburg, Dubai, Chicago, and finally landing in the sunny vibes of LA. My hunger to soak in new cultures and learn from diverse experiences led me on this whirlwind journey, where I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with some incredible folks, at top-notch agencies, while working with fantastic clients.

Over my 20+ years in the game, I’ve been lucky enough to partner with dream clients to create work that truly speaks to people and their stories. From global giants like The Coca-Cola Company, IKEA, Volkswagen, Unilever, and P&G, to the indie up and comers like El Hempe Seltzer, I've had a hand in building brands from scratch and adding value to each unique client relationship.

With stints at prestigious agencies across the map—Ogilvy, McCann, Havas, Jung Von Matt, Innocean USA—I’ve gathered a nice haul of awards (12 Cannes Lions and more!). But beyond the trophies, it’s the cultivated traits that truly set me apart.

As a modern leader, my worldly adventures have gifted me with a curiosity sparked by the open road, an empathy steeped in the immigrant's journey, and a flexibility honed by navigating diverse landscapes. These qualities make me a leader who's all about fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and celebrating what makes each project, each team, truly unique.

Crafting compelling stories that generate buzz, tapping into culture, and creating work that is not only impactful but also resonates deeply—that's the heart of what I do. That passion for ideas, allied to my passion for people and places is a powerful combination that I’m proud to nourish and carry with me wherever I go. And wherever that is, I’ll bring everything that Luiz with a “Z” embodies.


RESUME

Luiz Vicente Simões, Group Creative Director/CW

Brazilian on an O1 Visa, currently based in Los Angeles-CA

EXPERIENCE

Innocean USA, Huntington Beach— Creative Director

AUG 2021- PRESENT

Currently working on raising awareness and helping build a voice for Genesis, the luxury brand from Hyundai.

David&Goliath, Los Angeles— Group Creative Director

AUG 2021- JUN-2023

At David & Goliath, not only has Luiz  worked with established  Global Clients like Hasbro and KIA Motors, but also led breakthrough creative work for up-and-coming challenger brands like Procera African Gin, El Hempe Seltzer. Not to mention, a number of socially relevant work under the Social Impact arm of the agency.

Havas Chicago- Creative Director

JAN 2020 - JUL 2021

During Luiz’  time at Havas, He led teams on brands like Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Moen and Amazon, producing breakthrough work during the challenging times of a global pandemic.


Leo Burnett Chicago- Creative Director

NOV 2016- 2019

At Leo Burnett, Luiz worked as Regional Creative Director for Purina Latin America, responsible for elevating their creative product and leading teams across the whole region. He  also had the opportunity to work with global giants such as: Firestone, Marshall's, Samsung, Jim Beam, Miller Coors and Allstate Insurance.

Memac Ogilvy & Mather Dubai- Regional Associate Creative Director

AUG 2015-  SEPT 2016

In Dubai, Luiz  worked leading teams and award-winning projects across the Ogilvy offices in the GCC region. Amongst the clients are some of the most beloved brands in the world : IKEA, Coca-Cola, Volkswagen, Burger King, Coca-cola, Cadbury, Virgin Mobile.

JUNG v. MATT Hamburg- Sr. Copywriter

DEC 2012-  JUNE 2015

At Jung v. Matt, one of Germany’s most respected agencies, Luiz worked mainly helping build the creative reputation of one of Europe’s largest online fashion retailers,  Zalando. But while there, he also had the opportunity to bring his creative prowess to clients like:  beauty giant NIVEA, WWF, Rivella, Mercedes Benz, Der Spiegel and Sixt car rental.

NAKED Brasil- Sr. Copywriter

2012 to 2012

Worked for: Natura and Hering fashion (one of Brazilian's biggest fashion retailers). Helped the agency pitch and win Kingston account.

Ogilvy Brasil- Sr. Copywriter

2010 to 2012

During his brief stint at Naked Brasil, Luiz was fortunate enough to work on Brazil’s largest cosmetic multinational, Natura, and Hering (one of Brazil's biggest fashion retailers). Helped the agency pitch and win the Kingston account.


McCann-Erickson Brasil- Copywriter / Senior Copywriter

2006 to 2009

At McCann, Luiz worked  as one of the lead creatives on  the General Motors account, as well as Santander Bank. Also developed work HP, Tim Telefonica, Cadbury Adams and Unilever Ice Creams

Ogilvy Brasil- Jr. Copywriter – Copywriter

2001 to 2005

At Ogilvy, Luiz had the opportunity to work for multinational clients like: Coca-Cola Company, Fiat, Kodak, Unilever, Kraft Foods, and Terra (online news portal).


AWARDS

CANNES

4x Gold 

3x Silver

 5x Bronze 

26x Shortlist

D&AD

5 Pencils (1x Graphite and 4x Wooden ones)

ONE SHOW

1x Bronze Pencil


6x Merit



DUBAI LYNX

2x Gold

7x Silver


9x Bronze


14x Shortlist

LIAA

2x Gold

5x Finalist

CLIO

1x Gold


2x Silver


2x Bronze

5x Shortlist

ADC NY

1x Distinctive Merit 

ADC GERMANY

3x Bronze

EL OJO DE IBEROAMERICA

2x Gold


3x Bronze


3x Shortlist


BRAZILIAN CREATIVE YEARBOOK - SÃO PAULO

1x Silver Star

2x Bronze Star

6x Finalist

LüRZER’S ARCHIVE

Ranked #2 Copywriter in the World 2016 with the most published campaigns in Lürzer’s Archive Magazine- One of the the world’s leading publications for creative advertising.

YOUNG LIONS
Selected to be part of the Brazilian Young Lions delegation in 2004.


EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in Communications from University Católica
do Salvador UCSal 1997 to 2000 - Bahia.

LANGUAGES

Fluent English
Fluent Portuguese (native)
Mid-level Spanish
Initial French
Initial German (A2 level)