Matte Projects Appointed Joaquin Salim Head of Creative
The New York-based agency has named the former Anomaly executive to oversee its creative direction.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Advertising
Matte Projects has appointed Joaquin Salim as its new head of creative. In this role, Salim will manage integrated campaigns and brand experiences across the agency's global client roster.
Why it matters
This executive hire signals a push to bolster the agency's creative output for major clients. Salim brings extensive experience from several top-tier advertising agencies to the New York firm.
Salim joins Matte Projects following a career that includes group creative director roles at Anomaly and prior creative positions at Wieden+Kennedy, Droga5, and BBDO NY.
The players
Joaquin Salim
He is the new head of creative at Matte Projects who previously served as a group creative director at Anomaly.
Matte Projects
This New York-based creative agency produces brand experiences and integrated campaigns for global clients.
Neda Whitney
She serves as a member of the leadership team at Matte Projects to whom the new head of creative reports.
Matthew Rowean
He is a leader at Matte Projects who oversees operations alongside Neda Whitney.
The details
Salim reports directly to Neda Whitney and Matthew Rowean while leading creative efforts for brand partners such as Four Seasons Yachts and Marc Jacobs. He is tasked with overseeing brand experiences and cultural projects for the agency.
Timeline
October 6, 2026: Matte Projects officially appointed Joaquin Salim to his new position.
Market Landscape
This move highlights the ongoing consolidation of creative leadership talent within independent agencies as firms compete for high-level brand contracts. Matte Projects aims to strengthen its competitive standing against larger agencies by integrating seasoned creative directors into its core team.
Clients and brand partners can expect potential shifts in creative strategy and campaign execution as new leadership takes the helm. This appointment may impact the stylistic direction of future brand experiences developed for household names like Amazon and Airbnb.
The takeaway
Bringing in executives from established global networks is a common strategy for smaller agencies looking to scale their creative operations. Clients often see this as an effort to marry high-end creative pedigree with the agility of a boutique firm.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership trends, visit the Advertising section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MediaPost.
