About Thijs
"A leader and innovator, shaping the future of marketing and advertising" — Forbes 30 under 30
Thijs van de Wouw is a global creative strategist building influential brands that shape tomorrow's culture.
With over a decade of experience across three of the world's most innovative agencies. From Droga5 New York, to AKQA, and ultimately as Chief Strategy Officer at Wieden+Kennedy, Thijs developed a unique approach to brand building that bridges cultural impact with digital innovation.
His work spans:
- Technology giants (Samsung, Google, NVIDIA)
- Entertainment leaders (Netflix, HBO)
- Top gaming publishers (Activision Blizzard, EA, Tencent)
- Global lifestyle brands (Nike, Under Armour, Laneige, Tinder)
- Luxury brands (Rimowa, BVLGARI, Audi)
Global Perspective
Having lived and worked across four continents, Thijs brings a unique global perspective to the work. Thijs is driven by a passion for creating work that not only stands out but also makes a meaningful impact. His work has sparked global conversations, launched #1 products, and driven business growth for his clients.
Some notable examples include:
Current Focus
Based in Tokyo, Thijs divides his time between strategic leadership and education. He helps global brands navigate rapid cultural shifts, identify future opportunities, and build meaningful connections with their audiences.
As Advisory Board Member and Lecturer at Breda University of Applied Sciences (Ranked #3 in Top 5 Best Video Game Schools worldwide), Thijs helps shape the next generation of gaming and creative talent. He extends this impact through his lectures at Ukrainian school SKVOT, helping emerging talent succeed in global markets. He also writes for Adweek, Campaign Magazine, and Highsnobiety, focusing on gaming and youth culture.
Brand Experience
Awards
Forbes 30 Under 30
Forbes Magazine
Media & Marketing 2020
Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity
Gold Lion - Most Innovative Use Of Social Media or Community
Call of Duty Infinite Warfare: Hostile Takeover
Silver Lion - Innovative Use Of Technology
Destiny 2 Ghost Skill
Silver Lion - Culture & Context - Social Behaviour
Nike JUKU
Gold Spike / Spikes Asia - Film Craft
Nike JUKU
Webby Awards
Winner - Sports (Branded)
Nike ‘Imperfect You’
Winner - Diversity & Inclusion
Nike ‘New Girl’
Winner - Corporate Social Responsibility
Nike ‘New Girl’
Honoree for Best Use Of Social Media
Call of Duty Infinite Warfare: Hostile Takeover
Clio Awards
Bronze - Target Audience
Nike ‘Imperfect You’
Silver - Film
Nike ‘Imperfect You’
Bronze - Film
Nike ‘New Girl’
Grand Clio - Integrated Campaign
Game Of Thrones #ForTheThrone campaign
Grand Clio - Partnerships & Collaborations
Game Of Thrones #ForTheThrone campaign
Super Clio - Best Advertising of the Superbowl
Game of Thrones x Bud Light - Joust
Gold Clio - Category: Apps
Destiny 2 Ghost Skill
Silver Clio - Category: Medium Innovation
Destiny 2 Ghost Skill
The One Show
Gold Pencil - Branded Entertainment: Short Form Video
Game of Thrones x Bud Light - Joust
Gold Pencil - Ambient Media - Experiential & Installations
Sprint - Twice the Price Store
The One Club
Best Integrated Digital & Physical Product
Destiny 2 Ghost Skill
YouTube Works Awards
Grand Prix - Celebrating the most effective, creative, innovative, and data-driven work with demonstrable business results.
Force for Good Award
Nike The Future Isn’t Waiting
ADC Awards
Gold - Digital Experience - Guerrilla / Stunts
Bronze - Digital Interactive - Games for Web or Social Media
Call of Duty Infinite Warfare: Hostile Takeover
Shorty Awards
Gold - Best Use Of Facebook
Gold - Best Use Of An Emerging Platform
Gold - Best Use Of Gamification
Gold - Best In Games
Call of Duty Infinite Warfare: Hostile Takeover
AD STARS
Winner Diverse Insights
Nike The Future Isn't Waiting
D&AD
Graphite Pencil
Nike The Future Isn't Waiting
Adweek's Performance Marketing Awards
Content Marketing Campaign Of The Year
Nike The Future Isn’t Waiting
Adweek’s Project Isaac Award
Best in Gaming Invention
Destiny 2 Ghost Skill
The Drum Social Buzz Awards
Gold - Best Use Of Facebook
Gold - Most Innovate Use Of Social Media
Call of Duty Infinite Warfare: Hostile Takeover