Derek Neal’s creative career began at two of Canada’s most respected advertising agencies - Bates Canada and later V&B/Arnold Advertising. It was here where his skills as both a designer and a leader flourished, and he was promptly appointed to the agency’s chief accounts. With a creative spirit that could hardly be contained, Derek went on to become part-owner of a successful boutique agency which is still in operation today.

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Throughout his bright career, Derek has built an eclectic roster of clients which includes notable brands such as Dentyne, McDonald’s, Volkswagen, United Way, BMO and Samsung, to name a few. In addition to his professional  successes, Derek’s work has earned awards, praise and honours from his peers within the advertising and design industry.

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In 2006, Derek joined Samsung’s AOR, Cheil Canada and helped serve Samsung’s Consumer Electronics, Home Appliance, Mobile, IT and Corporate divisions. As ACD, Derek worked on Samsung’s Olympic Sponsorship Campaign, the Mobile ‘Express’ Campaign, Home Appliances ‘Irresistible’ Campaign, Samsung IT, plus its Corporate and Wind and Solar initiatives. This partnership not only garnered attention creatively, but it secured the Samsung brand’s presence in Canada, dramatically increased ROI, and helped win new business for Cheil. Today, the agency has more than tripled in size. As Derek’s accomplishments grew, his opportunity to go out and start his own agency was born.

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Since 2011, Derek’s been operating DNA Advertising + Design, where he has collaborated with dozens of clients, in a variety of industries. Derek works closely with all of the organization’s CEOs and Senior Management. He's helped create and evolve brands, managed their creative resources, handled their design projects from concept right through to production for print and digital applications. You name it, Derek’s worked on it.

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Today, Derek also teaches Advertising and Graphic Design part-time at Humber College. When he’s not plugged into his computer, he can be found at the hockey rink, skating with his two boys, binge watching some Netflix with Natalie or training hard to work off the ‘late-night-Netflix’ snacks.