Highdive is heading east. The Chicago-based independent creative agency is expanding into the heart of the U.S. ad world with a new New York office, helmed by executive creative directors Doug Fallon and Steven Fogel. The new location at 56 Greene Street marks a significant milestone in the agency’s upward trajectory.
The move follows Highdive’s explosive 2024, which saw 32% year-over-year growth, its eighth straight year of double-digit gains. That’s in sharp contrast to the ad industry’s sluggish 0.1% overall growth (Statista), making Highdive a rocket ship in a holding pattern world.
“Setting up shop in New York is a huge moment for us,” said Highdive CEO and co-owner Megan Lally. “It’s about access to top-tier talent. Doug and Steve are exactly the kind of creative leadership we want guiding this next phase of growth.”
Fallon and Fogel bring serious heat. The pair most recently served as Group ECDs at Ogilvy New York, playing a key role in the agency’s 2024 Cannes Network of the Year win. Prior to joining Ogilvy, they led standout work at BBDO New York for brands such as AT&T, HBO Max, Mountain Dew, and Dunkin’. They also notched major wins at Grey, including DIRECTV campaigns that landed the agency its first-ever Cannes Gold Lions for Film and a coveted Black Lion for Creative Effectiveness.
Their approach blends entertainment and effectiveness, exemplified in campaigns like Verizon’s “Break the Internet” Super Bowl spot. Along the way, they’ve racked up honors from Adweek’s 50, Ad Age’s Creatives to Know, and Business Insider’s Most Creative People in Advertising.
“Steve and Doug bring fresh perspective, unmatched experience, and a shared belief in work that earns its place in culture,” said Chief Creative Officer Chad Broude. “New York has always been a creative nerve center, and having their leadership in that market is a major asset as we keep redefining what a modern indie agency can be.”
Starting in August, Fallon and Fogel will lead creative on Highdive’s KFC business and play a key role in the agency’s continued growth strategy. Highdive anticipates another year of double-digit growth in 2025, driven by a people-first culture that boasts a 90% employee retention rate.
The agency’s recent accolades include Campaign US Independent Agency of the Year and back-to-back spots on the Ad Age A-List.
ALSO READ:
Translation replaces Burrell as McDonald’s Black agency
