a21 Strengthens European Expansion by Appointing William Drew as Managing Director in London Office

a21 Expands Its Footprint in Europe with Key Appointment

In a bold move set to reshape the landscape of experiential marketing across Europe, a21, the innovative agency renowned for its culinary and lifestyle events, has announced the establishment of a new office in London. This expansion is spearheaded by the appointment of William Drew—previously the Director of Content at The World's 50 Best—as the Managing Director and Vice President of this latest venture.

Located in one of the world's most vibrant cities, a21 aims to empower its European operations with Drew's extensive experience and recognized expertise in the culinary and hospitality sectors. He has a substantial background in orchestrating significant global events and content strategies, allowing a21 to leverage this talent as it connects more deeply with European markets and cultures.

A Bold New Direction

This strategic choice reflects a21's commitment to not only expanding its reach on a global scale but also enriching its storytelling and audience engagement practices. Brett Friedman, the Founder and CEO of a21, expressed his enthusiasm for Drew's appointment, emphasizing how they had collaborated on The World's 50 Best Restaurants event back in 2016. This partnership not only demonstrated Drew's skill but also highlighted his respected status within the industry.

“Having worked with Will on past projects, I am thrilled to welcome him to lead our European operations,” Friedman's statement captures the excitement surrounding this transition and the potential for a21 to create impactful experiences in Europe. Drew’s passion lies in merging culture and community through immersive experiences that highlight culinary artistry.

Bridging Cultures through Creativity

Will Drew is set to play a pivotal role in guiding a21's creative strategies and business development. His vision includes forming collaborative partnerships that resonate with Europe’s diverse culinary scenes and dynamic hospitality sectors. “Joining a21 feels like a natural fit,” Drew said. “I look forward to expanding the agency's presence and connecting brands with audiences in meaningful ways.”

Drew's previous role as Director of Content at The World's 50 Best equipped him with invaluable familiarity with high-profile global events. His leadership will be crucial for building brand collaborations that align with a21's ethos, which focuses on a culture-first approach. This means emphasizing not just what the events will display artistically, but how they will create lasting connections between attendees and brands alike.

A21's Legacy of Innovation

Founded in 2006, a21 has established its reputation for organizing large-scale festivals and immersive experiences that marry creativity and commerce. Their portfolio boasts high-profile events such as the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival and the Palm Beach Wine & Food Festival.

With this new office in London, a21 aims to bring its award-winning approach to European shores. By harnessing the energy of European culinary arts, art scenes, and lifestyle experiences, they hope to create distinctive events that captivate and enthrall audiences. The London-based team will now focus on creating unique brand storytelling opportunities that engage various cultural demographics across Europe.

Looking Ahead

As Drew steps into his leadership role, the collaboration with CEO Brett Friedman and COO Kristopher Moon will be vital for developing and executing a21's growth strategy in this new market.

In conclusion, a21's commitment to expanding its European footprint with the leadership of William Drew indicates a promising future for experiential marketing in the region. By introducing a blend of local cultures and international brand experiences through unique storytelling, a21 is poised to redefine what audiences can expect from actively engaging with brands across the continent. Their adventures in Europe are just beginning, and the agency has positioned itself as a key player in the evolution of experiential marketing on a global stage.