Avantgarde expands its leadership team
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Avantgarde, today announces the expansion of its leadership team with Richie Gage as Head of Live. Joining him on the senior leadership team is Alex Faulkner, Client Services lead, and Sandra Perriot, Strategy lead.
Richie brings over two decades of experience to the agency, having worked across campaigns for the likes of Netflix, Airbnb, Nike, Google, Pinterest, Playstation, and Lego. In his new role, Richie will lead and shape Avantgarde’s new ‘Live’ team, reporting to Managing Director Rachel Lewandowska.
Prior to Avantgarde, Richie served as a Managing Partner at Bearded Kitten, where he helped fast track the agency growth and reputation, whilst focusing on their delivery capabilities. Before this, Richie was at Amplify for over 10 years, where he helped define the industry standard for the Live and Experiential industries. Richie originally made his start client-side at Selfridges and MTV and has also worked freelance with stints at several major agencies.
Alex Faulkner has been instrumental in winning, retaining and growing key clients within Avantgarde since he joined in 2023, and Sandra Perriot has been pivotal in setting the strategic direction across both new and existing clients and Avantgarde’s trends events series, Voices.
In their new roles, Richie, Alex, and Sandra will sit alongside the existing leadership team of Harry McCreanor, Global Business Development Director, Sam Pepper, Executive Creative Director, and James Wallingford, Head of Innovation. The larger team reflects the agency’s continued investment in leadership depth, operational excellence, and creative ambition, following its 40-year milestone celebrated last year.
Richie Gage, Head of Live said “I’m super happy to join the team at Avantgarde and have been a fan of their work for several years. I’ve seen the plans Rachel and the team have for this next chapter, and it is an incredibly exciting time to come on board.”
“Avantgarde have always been known for delivery excellence, and Richie’s experience in forming standout teams will only strengthen this reputation,” said Rachel Lewandowska, Managing Director – London. She continues “Richie brings a wealth of ability, and his appointment will further sharpen the live activations we create for our clients.”
“With the brilliant duo of Alex and Sandra also bolstering our senior benches, these changes will truly make Avantgarde a brand experience force of the future.”
ENDS