John 'JP' Petty III departs Wieden+Kennedy to lead new agency

John "JP" Petty III, a prominent figure in social media marketing and former head of Wieden+Kennedy's social media division, Bodega, has announced his departure to focus on his own agency, 14th and Market. Co-founded with his wife, 14th and Market is an emerging creative agency aimed at crafting culturally resonant campaigns.

Petty, a Philadelphia native, has been instrumental in leading Wieden+Kennedy’s Portland office alongside Managing Director Jess Monsey. During his tenure, he spearheaded groundbreaking social media initiatives for the agency’s high-profile clients, cementing his reputation as a trailblazer in the industry.

Speaking about the move, Petty expressed his excitement to dedicate his efforts to building 14th and Market, describing it as a platform to amplify creativity and redefine the intersection of culture and marketing.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Petty serves on the boards of Lincoln University of Pennsylvania and The One Club for Creativity, highlighting his commitment to education and nurturing new talent in the creative industry.

14th and Market is expected to focus on innovative approaches to storytelling and brand-building, with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Petty’s departure marks a significant shift for Wieden+Kennedy, which continues to adapt to an evolving digital marketing landscape.

This move reflects the broader trend of industry leaders branching out to establish their own ventures, underscoring the growing importance of agility and cultural connectivity in the ad world.