Advertising veteran Jonathan Cude has been appointed Chief Creative Officer at TBC, a full-service creative agency that’s based in Baltimore and recently marked its 50th anniversary. He’s first person hired by CEO Nichole Baccala Ward since she became TBC’s first sole owner last fall.
TBC’s services include advertising, brand development and strategy, content strategy and copywriting, strategic communications, social media, public relations, media planning, buying and analytics and digital marketing. Cude’s appointment signals the agency’s commitment to delivering effective campaigns that drive brand success.
Before joining TBC, Cude spent a significant portion of his career at McKinney, an award-winning agency with six offices in the U. S. and Canada. Under his leadership, McKinney created campaigns for Audi; Sherwin-Williams; Samsung; ESPN; Sony; Little Caesars and Pampers. Prior to McKinney, Cude was at Wieden+Kennedy in Portland, Oregon, where his projects included the “Streaker” ad for Nike Shox and “Road to Paris,” a documentary about cycling.
“Jonathan’s track record of shaping iconic campaigns and fostering a culture of creative excellence is second to none,” Ward said in a statement. “At TBC, we have something truly special in our culture — and take pride in the fact that our work drives real business results. He’s a visionary leader who knows how to push creative boundaries while staying focused on what matters most — our clients’ success. With his leadership, we’re poised to make an even greater impact.”
“This is huge news within the creative industry and speaks to the amazing business opportunities and talent right here in Baltimore…our city can attract big names, too, not just NYC and LA!” said Andrea Lynn, Vice President and Director of Strategic Communications at TBC, in an email message. Cude “brings decades of creative leadership to TBC,” she said. “His move signals an exciting new chapter for TBC as the agency continues to push creative boundaries.”
“I’m incredibly excited to join TBC and help build on the agency’s momentum as a fiercely independent and entrepreneurial business under Nichole’s leadership,” Cude said in a statement. “Baltimore has this gritty, authentic energy that is mirrored at TBC…I was certain I wouldn’t take another CCO role but this opportunity had too many good things in place for me to pass up. It allows me to focus on what I love about advertising: taking risks, pushing boundaries and championing fresh, unheard voices in the industry.”
