Fallon London hires former Virgin in-house strategist and award-winning creative João Paulo Testa

nnounced today, Fallon London has appointed two senior hires; strategy heavyweight, Olly Markeson, as its Planning Director and award-winning creative João Paulo Testa (JP) to Creative Director.

Markeson joins from Virgin Management (the Branson family office) where he was their in-house Brand Strategist and JP joins from F/Nazca Saatchi & Saatchi.

With over 14 years’ experience JP will report to Chief Creative Officer, Chaka Sobhani. He is the creative mind behind many lauded campaigns, including the latest AMG ‘Made of Power’ project. He will partner with existing Creative Director Ronaldo Tavares.

Prior to F/Nazca Saatchi & Saatchi, JP worked at AlmapBBDO for five years working on brands such as Audi, Volkswagen, Pepsi and Havaianas. He also co-founded Workhäuss, a co-working start up that offers workspaces in unused areas of exclusive bars and restaurants.

Markeson will report to Chief Strategy Officer, Josh Bullmore, and will be responsible for strategic execution across Fallon’s ŠKODA account.

With over 11 years’ experience and prior to Virgin, Markeson held senior positions at agencies including BMB on McCain, and Grey on Vodafone and Pantene.

Prior to that, client-side at Procter & Gamble (P&G) he led the strategy for teenage perfume brand “XX by Mexx” – a far cry from his life as an officer in the Army Reserves.

Charlie Rudd, CEO Leo Burnett & Fallon London: “Both Olly and JP have the ideal blend of strategic and creative rigour and we are very lucky that these two impressive individuals have chosen to join us. I know they will help make our work better.”

JP, Creative Director, Fallon London: "Fallon London has always been a benchmark of creativity and craft excellence for me. It is a great honor to be joining a team that has a bold culture and builds brands with passion and an incredible business vision."

Olly Markeson, Planning Director, Leo Burnett London said: “It is a unique privilege to help unlock the extraordinary potency of both Fallon and the ŠKODA brand.”