JANET BARKER - EVANS

Creativity • Leadership • Passion • Commitment • Integrity

What I Believe

I believe that creativity is the key to solving complex problems, and that healthy teams where people are nurtured and encouraged are where we find the greatest creativity.  

What I Do​

• Lead, inspire, and empower teams of passionate creatives to deliver big ideas for clients 

• Partner with account, planning, clients and others to identify and solve clients’ business problems and bring them innovative ways to grow their brands

• Learn, grow, and challenge myself to stay on top of what’s new and next across data, digital and technology platforms to ensure my clients are always ahead of their competition 

• Listen, collaborate and grow by always staying curious and always learning from those around me

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Where I’ve Done It

ABELSONTAYLOR GROUP

EVP, Chief Creative Officer - August 2023 - Present

I lead exceptionally talented creatives, production and interactive teams in driving innovation and impact for patients and consumers of pharma, healthcare and wellness brands at AbelsonTaylor Group. As an early digital pioneer, I've seamlessly transitioned into championing AI's transformative role in the creative process and am leading the charge in leveraging AI to enhance human creativity and forge deeper connections with audiences.

PUBLICIS + HAWKEYE

SVP, Executive Creative Director - March 2020 - July 2023

As ECD at Hawkeye, part of Publicis, we specialized in experience orchestration across all channels and across the customer journey. We launched our new agency two weeks in to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was an interesting journey. I also led work for Publicis Power Of One teams and led teams of creatives to develop award-winning work across a range of industries from pharma and OTC brands to finance, insurance and technology.

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EPSILON

SVP, Executive Creative Director - August 2012 - March 2020

Creative leadership of 200 creatives around the globe, delivering growth for a wide range of clients that include CPG companies like GSK, Nature’s Way, Hormel, Merisant and Purina, and other companies like Red Lobster, Chase, and ADS.   Creative solutions for clients include social, mobile, digital and fully integrated 360 programs that effectively engage consumers and lean into best practices, while using data in new and evolving ways to be more relevant and targeted than ever before.

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As part of my role as a creative leader, I built a global team and process from my home office in Chicago all the way to our office in Bangalore, India. I'm a proven leader of teams across timezones, a born collaborator, and a driver of a positive and inspirational culture. 

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FCB

EVP, Group Creative Director - March 2010 – July 2012
Leadership of large creative “supergroup” delivering excellence for clients that included Kmart, Hampton Inn, Stelara (J&J/Centocor Ortho Biotech), Blue Cross Blue Shield Florida, Florida Blue Retail Centers, Valspar, Halls, Nabisco and more.  Brought new innovation to clients that brought them into emerging social technology ahead of their competitors.

SVP, Group Creative Director - October 2006 - March 2010
Leadership of team developing brand, TV, radio, digital, CRM, shopper and fully intergrated work for clients including Kmart, Stelara, Kaiser Permanente, GSK/alli, Nabisco/Kraft.

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DRAFT WORLDWIDE

EVP, Group Creative Director - April 2003 - October 2006
Leadership of creative group delivering digital, CRM and integrated campaigns for CVS, USPS Retail & Direct, M&M Mars, MilkPep, ConAgra, Kaiser Permanente, GSK/alli, Ross Similac

SVP, Group Creative Director -  2001 - 2003
Developed digital, promotional and CRM work for clients including M&M Mars/Masterfoods, Brown Forman, ConAgra, Kellogg, USPS and Cadillac.  
 

ACD / Creative Supervisor / Sr. Copywriter / Copywriter – 1995 - 2001
Developed innovative digital, DRTV and CRM work for clients including JRAP, Bank of America, HFC, Secure Horizons, Ross/ Similac, Bass Hotels Holiday Inn / Priority Club, Bank of America, PacifiCare, Secure Horizons, Cadillac, LensCrafters, British Airways.

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How I've Given Back

Epsilon Women In Leadership

3% Conference 

Take the Lead Women
DePaul University, Adjunct Professor 

Coleman Entrerpreneurship Center Mentor

Leo Burnett Group Mentor Program

SIUC Dean's National Industry Council

Off the Street Club

StepUp Chicago

Chicago Hoop Squad Sponsor

Church & Community

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Where I Got Started

Southern Illinois University, Bachelor of Science - Journalism / Advertising

Governors State University, Master of Arts - Media Communications

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