Manifest Expands US Operations With Los Angeles Studio

LOS ANGELES - Independent brand communications agency Manifest has opened a new operation in Los Angeles, led by partner, Julian Obubo, who has relocated from London to take up his new role as agency principal in California.

The new studio, which officially opens on 1 February, takes Manifest bi-coastal in the US, where it opened its New York studio in 2016. Los Angeles is the sixth studio location for Manifest, joining teams in London, Manchester, Stockholm and Melbourne, each operating independently and as a global 24-hour creative team.

Manifest's USA and Canada managing partner Jessica Becker (pictured, left) said:“We've worked with brands in LA for a long time already, and the city sits at a matchless intersection of showbiz, sports, technology and music. For an agency with creative ambitions like Manifest, it was impossible to just watch from afar; aside from the strategic opportunity to go fully bi-coastal, this investment is about broadening our creative and cultural inspiration.

“In Julian, I have a friend and partner who I've worked with for seven years and who knows what makes Manifest special from the inside out. In that time, we've already built a collaborative shorthand that has led to major client wins across the USA. I'm excited to continue our strong partnership in the US.”

Obubo (pictured, right), who will continue his responsibilities as the group's global diversity, equity and inclusion lead, joined as an intern in the London studio in 2012, before rising to become a partner in the business in 2020. He has worked with brands including Krispy Kreme, TikTok, Durex and Pernod Ricard, and in 2021 spearheaded the campaign team that launched US fried-chicken brand, Popeyes into the UK market.

“Launching in Los Angeles feels somewhat like a homecoming for Manifest,” said Obubo.“California – and LA in particular – has spawned some of the most recognizable and impactful brands in the world and it's energizing to now have boots on the ground and be in the creative mix of the region. I'm looking forward to building a superstar team over here and bringing Manifest's creative flair and strategic rigor to the City of Angels.”

Over the past year, Manifest's US operation has won new briefs from clients including Reckitt, SC Johnson and Diageo, with fees growing 55% year on year and revenue expected to reach $5m in 2023.

Manifest founder and group CEO, Alex Myers said:“When we opened in New York nearly seven years ago, the industry response in the UK was a resounding, 'yeah, good luck with that'. There aren't many success stories – certainly recently – of a UK agency growing sustainably in North America. So we are very proud to buck the trend and continue to expand over there. It's testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire US team.”

The agency was ranked in the top 10 agencies in the world in PRovoke Media's recent global creative index , with its Tommee Tippee 'The Boob Life' campaign coming second in the list of most-awarded campaigns of 2021.

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