James Kirkham

James Kirkham is the Global Head of Social and Mobile for Leo Burnett’s newly formed social and mobile unit. Most recently, James was the Managing Director of Holler, the digital strategy agency he formed in February 2001 with business partner Will Pyne. The Publicis Groupe purchased Holler in July 2012. Holler’s clients include Absolut Vodka, innocent Drinks, Mercedes Benz, Now TV, Red Bull and Revlon..

New Media Age listed Holler as a "one to watch" in its Top 100 guide and wrote that Holler has "one of the most impressive client lists in the UK."Holler was behind the critically acclaimed and award winning marketing for "Skins" on E4, a ground breaking approach to marketing and media strategy that led to a host of awards including three prestigious IPA awards and the first Guardian MEGA for best advertising. It was the first television show to be marketed using social media in the UK. Holler also received two Interactive Marketing & Advertising Awards at IPA 2008, winning "Best Entertainment Category" for Skins series 2 and the IMA 2008 Grand Prix. Their cross-platform expertise was recognised when they received a 2009 BAFTA nomination for social media project "Year Dot." Holler's "Tweet & Eat" campaign for innocent Drinks was shortlisted for 4 digital awards in 2012. Also in 2012, Holler executed the social media strategy and activation around Mercedes-Benz' "You Drive" A-class campaign, the first television advert in the world to be driven by social media.James is a highly respected commentator on the digital marketing industry, speaking regularly at conferences including The Guardian Changing Media Summit, MIPCOM, MIPTV, co-chairing The Media Festival (2009, 2010), presenting at the "4 Talent’" showcase, Promax and BETT education conferences and contributing to a range of publications including The Sunday Times, Broadcast and Creative Review.James presented at Cannes Lions in June 2012 and 2013.