Chiquita King and Ant Melder to head up new creative agency Coffee Cocoa Gunpowder
Former managing partner of DDB, Chiquita King, has joined forces with former Host/ Havas ECD Ant Melder to launch a new creative agency, Coffee Cocoa Gunpowder.
King spearheads the launch after a short stint as CEO at The 6AM Agency, from which she departed just last month.
Melder and King previously worked together at DDB
Melder left Host/ Havas earlier this year following the loss of its biggest account, Defence Force Recruiting.
The duo said the ethos of the new agency is ‘People Are Everything’, contending its starting point will be seeing the world through the eyes of people, not brands. The agency rejects unwieldy processes, bad service and mediocre outputs, they said in a statement.
Coffee Cocoa Gunpowder’s foundation client remains under wraps for now.
The pair have previously worked together at both DDB and M&C Saatchi, with King saying they have learned a lot along the way.
“Ant and I have learned a few things on our pathway here – some things so valuable I want them etched on our walls so we never forget. And I hope we learn even more in the years to come,” she said.
“But more importantly, we want our values to be self-evident – in our actions, the work we do, the way we do business and the way we give back. We have nothing to lose and everything to prove.”
Coffee Cocoa Gunpowder has opened its doors
Melder said it was time to inject some fresh thinking and humanity back into the local industry.
“We looked around globally and saw awesome independent agencies like Joan in NYC and Uncommon Studios in London working in new ways and making a real impact – we’re aiming to do the same here. The time feels right to inject some fresh thinking and much-needed humanity into the industry. Coffee Cocoa Gunpowder is founded on the core principles of creative ambition and being a force for good. And nobody embodies those ideals more than CK. Her passion and integrity are unrivalled. I’m so proud to be bringing this new offering to market with her.”
The duo said 5% of its profits will sponsor individuals with potential whose progress may be hindered by circumstances, injustice or lack of basic resources.
this was set up very quickly…given she only just left her new job.
hmmm
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Sounds fantastic – great move CK. Onto bigger and better things!
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What a fabulous move. They are a brilliant duo and will do great things. Onwards and upwards!
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Good luck CK! The people proposition absolutely embraces everything you are, and I have no doubt you guys will do great things.
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“Another One”
– DJ Khaled
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Genuinely appreciate this piece Vivienne! I’m an advocate for top to downstream cultural movements, as it all is birthed from the top! Its just another validation that Chiquita and Ant are on the money!
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