Laurent François / Creative Strategist / Paris

TIMELINE

NOW: Managing Partner for 180 LUXE & 180 SOCIAL at 180 (part of Omnicom Group), Paris.
I’m currently developing the digital, creative strategic, innovation and social media practice for the group, managing a team of hybrid talents from strategy to artists.

2014-2021: Founder, RE-UP agency, London | Tokyo | Paris
We’ve built the next-gen social media creative agency in London, recruiting a « creative army of misfits », implementing social media-first strategies and campaigns for our clients. The agency was integrated to 180 Global in 2021 to write the next chapter.

2012-2014: Senior Lead Digital Strategist, JWT London
I ran digital and social media strategies for the agency’s large accounts, from Toni and Guy to KitKat.

2012: Freelance, creative and digital strategist, strategic planning director, Anthem Worldwide (London), Havas (London), Edelman (Paris)
I started working 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. We 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 my team, we 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, I was interested in cultural diplomacy, which made me 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.