Welcome to the first annual 500 under 500, a list of 500 people in advertising under 500 years old. They’re storytellers, disrupters, visionaries and dreamers – but most importantly, they have yet to turn 500 – so they’re just getting started.
KELLY PARROTTO Creative Recruitment Manager, Wieden + Kennedy
She's one of the best recruiters in the business but doesn't have a LinkedIn photo... Sorry Kelly, we're trying here.
JOSEPH WEAVER Senior Art Director, BOHAN
Lightbulbs go on in his head all the time as well as directly behind his head in this photo.
JILL MENOR Copywriter, McCann
The only thing as fresh as her ideas are her sneakers. And some flowers, depending on the flowers.
ERICK MANGALI Creative Director, Deutsch
The extra “K” in his name stands for “Kissable.”
BRIAN EDEN Copywriter, Droga5
The host of former TBS show “Lopez Tonight.”
AMY PICKERING Producer, Mirum Agency
Her agency’s slogan is “Never Lose Your Sense of Wonder.” But honestly, it would be hard to do that by the time you’re 500.
JOSEPH BURTONI Social Media Strategist, Razorfish
He probably wouldn’t be so good at social media if he were 500-years-old.
HALEY COLE Art Director, McCann
Not the Haley Eminem was talking about but she deserves songs written about her nonetheless.
ALEXANDRA SOBIECKI Creative, BBH
She makes advertising look easy, which makes sense because she lives in New York City, the Big Easy.
MICHELLE AGNEW Account Director, Pitch
When it comes to passion for great work and laughing at all the client’s dumb jokes, she’s a wizard. Some wizards live to be older than 500. So, good for her.
ELINA RUDKOVSKY Copywriter, McCann
Drives to work everyday despite living in New York City, which only makes sense when you think about what incredible drive she has. And all the weird shit that happens on the F train.
LEO BURNETT Founder, Leo Burnett
His mom emailed us and asked us nicely if he could be on the list.
TROY RUHANEN President/CEO, TBWA Worldwide
Way more acclaimed than the movie named after him starring Brad Pitt.
LINDSEY KING Associate Creative Director, Deutsch
That bunny looks like it’s seen some shit.
SARAH MARKOWITZ Account Coordinator, BBH
In her under 500 years on this planet, she’s more than made her Markowitz.
ERIN SMITH Senior Copywriter, H&L Partners
Her last name may be very common, but her abilities certainly aren’t.
WILLIAM ELLIOTT Creative Director, Goodby Silverstein & Partners
Billy Elliot was a popular film about a boy who’s a talented dancer. Well, with his talent, this William Elliot danced his way into our hearts.
ANDREW BAKER Writer/Art Director, Freelance
Not even that sunset compares to the stuff he’s art directed.
ADAM WARD Senior Art Director, BBDO
Does crossfit but somehow isn’t annoying about it.
Dreamed of making the 500 under 500 as a young girl. Glad we could make it happen.
TERESSA IEZZI Head of PR & Publishing, Wieden + Kennedy New York
Author of the critically acclaimed “Idea Writers.” A book that shows today, copywriters have a blank canvas – by conceiving of a video game, TV show, or a list celebrating 500 people under an age that nobody actually lives to.
JENS STOELKEN Founding Partner, Mistress/Neato
It’s lucky he’s never had to blow out a cake with 500 candles on it, because we imagine that would be tiring.
JONATHAN RIPPON Freelance Editor, 360i
A brilliant editor who probably like a lot of people on this list, offroads the shit out of his mom’s Toyota Camry.
GEORGE ZIMMER Former CEO/Guaranteer, Mens Warehouse
We recently went into a Men’s Wearhouse to get a tuxedo. After asking for their cheapest one, the saleswoman said, “I’m gonna level with you, it’s gonna look bad. Especially with your body type.” Nothing is sacred anymore.
JUSTIN DAVEY Copywriter, San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino
Known in the industry as “Just Incredible” and is said to have all the talent of a young Tiger Woods. So, uh, Justin, be careful.
