Nils Leonard

Nils Leonard is a renowned figure in the advertising industry, known for his innovative approach and transformative impact on brand creativity. Born out of a desire to create work that not only sells but also makes a meaningful impact on the world, Leonard co-founded Uncommon Creative Studio alongside Lucy Jameson and Natalie Graeme in 2017. The agency quickly made waves with its unconventional approach and commitment to producing purpose-driven campaigns. Uncommon was named AdAge’s 2023 International Agency of the Year and one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies in 2024.

Leonard has spent over 30 years in the advertising and design industry working across some of the most recognized agencies in London. In his previous role as Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of Grey LDN, the agency underwent a dramatic transformation, earning a reputation for producing bold and culturally relevant work. Leonard's tenure saw Grey win numerous awards and accolades, including being named Agency of the Year multiple times. His focus on creating work that resonated with real-world issues and societal trends set a new standard in the industry.

A creative champion agitating for change and diversity in the industry, Leonard is a regular speaker and judge at industry events, often sharing his insights on creativity, branding, and the future of advertising. He was voted into Adweek’s coveted Creativity 100, named the Most Creative Person in Advertising globally by Business Insider, and is listed as one of the Sunday Times' 500 Most Influential People in the UK. Leonard is also on the advisory group of The Royal Academy and serves on the board of trustees of D&AD.