Janine Klayman, VP, Executive Creative Director

Janine has won almost every creative award possible for clients both large and small in categories ranging from food to fashion to finances. She has worked on brand advertising and retail, on global brands like Pepsi, United Airlines, Kellogg’s, Caterpillar and M&M Mars and small regional clients like the Economic Development Council of Greater Peoria and Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center. Best of all, as creative head, she brings that kind of expertise to every SMZ client in a very hands-on way.

What are you most proud of in your career?
I like to tell the story of the little cereal campaign that made its way onto USA Today’s Top Ten List next to giants like Nike and Budweiser. And not just in the “Top 10 Best Loved” category either, but in the “Top 10 Most Hated,” too. Now that’s awareness!

What’s your idea of fun?
Other than my horse habit? Repositioning a 20-year Kellogg’s classic, and reversing a nine-year decline. Launching new products for Pepsi International, Isotoner and Phillip Morris. Winning Effies for clients who don’t believe in awards and Clios for clients who do. And doing work that stood out in the Super Bowl for McDonald’s and at the supermarket for M&M Mars.

Do you have a method for coming up with ideas and solutions for clients?
Listening. Scribbling. And driving. In that order.