Innocean USA makes leadership promotions
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Innocean USA elevates Nicolette Spencer to Chief Production Officer and Melissa Moore to SVP, Head of Integrated Production.
Independent full-service advertising agency Innocean USA announced the promotions of Nicolette Spencer to Chief Production Officer and Melissa Moore to Senior Vice President, Head of Integrated Production, recognising two longtime leaders who have helped build one of the agency's defining capabilities.
"Nicolette and Melissa have spent years pushing the boundaries of what modern production can be, and have built one of the most forward-thinking departments in the industry,” said Leslie Barrett, President, Innocean USA. “They have created a culture where world-class craft and relentless innovation live in the same room, and they have brought an extraordinary team with them.”
As brands increasingly operate like studios, producing everything from original films to always-on content and cultural experiences, production has become one of the most strategic functions inside modern agencies. Innocean USA's promotions reflect that shift, as the agency continues to invest in leadership, technology, and integrated production capabilities. The most recent example is the upcoming Genesis original short film Flesh Impact, produced by Nicolette Spencer and Melissa Moore alongside Michelle Ross of Superprime and William Green of The Cut, directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Maggie Gyllenhaal, starring Academy Award-winning actress Ellen Burstyn and Dakota Johnson, and set to debut in an official screening at the Venice Film Festival. Given the success of its first film execution, Innocean USA is in the early stages of developing a studio model, building on its momentum in the entertainment space.
"Production has never been more important to how brands connect with people," said Spencer. "I'm excited to keep investing in our people, embracing new technologies, and creating even more opportunities for captivating storytelling."
Over the past 13 years, Spencer has helped transform Innocean USA's production function into one of the agency's defining strengths. Since joining the company, she has grown the production department fourfold while maintaining a consistently high employee retention. She has championed initiatives that continue to shape its future, including launching the Content Creator Program to deliver high-quality content at greater speed and scale, serving as a founding member of the Emerging Tech Task Force and the agency's Women's Leadership Club, and co-leading INNtelligence, the agency's proprietary AI ecosystem launching later this year. As Chief Production Officer, Spencer will lead the agency's production organization while accelerating the integration of technology and innovation across the business.
"The best part of my career has been growing alongside this team, especially a mentor like Nicolette," said Moore. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to lead the next chapter together, and continue creating work we're truly proud of."
Moore has spent more than 16 years helping shape Innocean USA's integrated production organization, leading teams behind many of the agency's largest and most ambitious productions. Under her leadership, the agency has delivered omnichannel work including Hyundai's Next Starts Now FIFA World Cup platform, Genesis' Built to Thrill and No Old Thinking, and El Pollo Loco's Let's Get Loco. As SVP, Head of Integrated Production, she will oversee day-to-day production across the agency, continuing to elevate the collaboration, craftsmanship, and creative excellence behind Innocean USA's work.
The promotions follow a series of investments shaping Innocean USA's next chapter, including the appointments of President Leslie Barrett, Chief Strategy Officer Lee Maicon, and Head of Growth Crystalyn Portwood, alongside continued investment in capabilities like INNtelligence. Together, those investments are helping the agency meet growing industry demands.
"Nicolette and Melissa have been key to Innocean's growth and success for many years," said Steve Jun, CEO, Innocean USA. "They've earned the trust of our people and our clients, and these promotions recognise the impact they've had across every part of the agency."
