IN SHORT Laurent François — a senior global creative strategist, recognized for his work for luxury & beauty brands. Laurent specializes in building creative systems to meet the many streams of customers, by leveraging subcultures and emerging digital behaviours & tech. He is a widely read columnist, lecturer, speaker and advisor. Laurent is based in Paris, and has worked in Amsterdam, London, and Athens.
MORE ABOUT ME Connect on Linkedin, read some press clippings about my work, subscribe to my newsletter (or in French) and read my books Alive In Social Media (2024) Réseaux Sociaux : une communauté de vie (2023).
TIMELINE
NOW: Managing Partner for 180 LUXE & 180 SOCIAL at 180 (TBWA, Omnicom Group), Paris.
Currently developing the digital, creative strategic, innovation and social media practice for the group, managing a team of hybrid talents from strategy to artists. Part of TBWA’s NEXT collective, the global innovation practice designed to disrupt the future of brand experiences. He also directly leads DIOR, Coty and Omega accounts.
2014-2021: Co-Founder, RE-UP agency, London | Tokyo | Paris
Laurent has built the next-gen social media creative agency in London, recruiting a « creative army of misfits », implementing social media-first strategies and campaigns for their clients. The agency was acquired by 180 Global in 2021 to write the next chapter.
2012-2014: Senior Lead Digital Strategist, JWT London
Laurent ran digital and social media strategies for the agency’s global accounts, from Toni and Guy to KitKat.
2012: Freelance, creative and digital strategist, strategic planning director, Anthem Worldwide (London), Havas (London), Edelman (Paris)
He’s worked for various agencies, mostly on topics aiming to tap into youth culture (tattoo communities, creators etc.), while also supporting crisis communication and celebrity marketing.
2010-2012: Head of Social Business, L’Express
In charge of developing new revenue streams, through freemium and community models. He secured a strong P&L, while leading change internally, creating digital products at the crossroad of editorial, advertising and journalism.
2007-2010: Head of EMEA 360* Digital Influence practice, Ogilvy Paris
With his team, he created the first department in Europe dedicated to social media and social networks, implementing a lot of « firsts », from Lenovo’s Voices of the Olympic Games, to Louis Vuitton activations, while also creating strategic partnerships with startups and emerging channels.
2003-2005: Cultural diplomacy, French Government and British Council
Prior to agency work, Laurent was working in cultural diplomacy, which made him travel from Athens (Greece) to Chelmsford (UK).
ON THE SIDE
Strategic advisor for startups (luxury, lifestyle, social good).
Lecturer in various business and fashion schools (ESCP, ISG Luxury Geneva, NEOMA, Ravensbourne etc.).
Mentoring for students and activists.
Fashion blogger, coolhunter, and photographer from 2004 to now.
CREDENTIALS
DIOR
PIAGET
OMEGA
CLUB MED
DOLCE & GABBANA
L’ORÉAL
ADIDAS
SHISEIDO
COTY
ROGER DUBUIS
FONDATION HAUTE HORLOGERIE
PRADA
VALENTINO
…