NYC Witnesses the Unveiling of Highdive
Highdive Expands to New York City, Bolstering its Creative Talent Pool
Chicago-based independent creative agency, Highdive, has made a strategic move by opening a new office in New York City, located at 56 Greene Street in SoHo. This expansion marks a significant step as Highdive continues its impressive growth trajectory, following an exceptional 32% year-over-year growth in 2024, marking its eighth consecutive year of double-digit growth.
The New York office is led by executive creative directors Steven Fogel and Doug Fallon, both formerly of Ogilvy New York. Their extensive creative experience includes major campaigns for clients such as AT&T, DIRECTV, HBO Max, Mountain Dew, and Dunkin’. The agency plans to grow the NYC team to around 10 people by the end of the year and is currently hiring for several creative roles with flexible location options.
Highdive’s New York office is modelled to be just large enough to meet current needs, reflecting the agency's approach of scaling responsibly and outgrowing office space before moving on. The expansion supports Highdive's work with key clients like KFC, helping to reset the brand’s voice while leveraging its cultural legacy. The new campaign work and relationship with Highdive aim to tap into KFC's rich cultural legacy.
The move into New York not only opens access to a wider pool of creative talent but also allows Highdive to look beyond Chicago. Highdive’s CEO, Megan Lally, emphasised a "talent-first approach" and the importance of creative leadership to continue delivering exceptional client work. Despite the new office, Chicago remains the agency’s “home base,” providing the grit and character that define the Highdive brand.
Highdive’s growth is attributed to the quality of its work. Lally stated that New York allows them to tap into a larger pool of creative talent, reinforcing ongoing accounts such as MSC Cruises, State Farm, and Jeep, with the latter campaigns receiving high-profile recognition including Emmy nominations and Super Bowl spots.
The agency took private equity investment from Svoboda Capital in 2024, which brought rigor and stability to its operations while keeping leadership in control. Highdive recently extended its relationship with MSC Cruises following a Super Bowl campaign. The initial focus of the New York office will be on KFC, but it may expand to other accounts as the team grows.
The new location at 56 Greene Street is set to open in August. With this expansion, Highdive is well-positioned to continue its double-digit growth in a competitive market environment, leveraging the creative talent pool in New York City to deliver exceptional client work.
- Highdive Press Release
- Adweek Article
- Chicago Business Journal Article
- Crain's Chicago Business Article
- The financing from Svoboda Capital has been instrumental in Highdive's strategic expansion to New York City, enabling the agency to tap into a larger talent pool and build on its impressive growth in the creative finance sector, with a focus on key accounts like KFC and MSC Cruises.
- With the new office in SoHo, Highdive aims to capitalize on the growth potential in the New York City business market, bolstering its roster of creative heavyweights led by Steven Fogel and Doug Fallon, whose extensive industry experience will fuel the agency's continued growth and brand development.
