Bill Heilmann | Head of Media & Communications Planning at StrawberryFrog

Bill Heilmann has always believed that strategy is where creativity and clarity meet. With more than two decades of experience in global marketing and brand transformation, he has built a career guiding some of the world's most iconic companies through moments of reinvention. Today, as Head of Media and Comms Planning, Bill brings his deep expertise in media, brand strategy, communications, and cultural insight to help clients find their voice, sharpen their message, and spark meaningful growth.

His career has taken him across the industry in leadership roles where he was known for creating innovative, integrated strategies that connected global audiences in new ways. He has guided multinational clients through complex repositionings and integration efforts across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Along the way, Bill helped reshape the positioning of major brands like Citi, P&G, L'Oréal, LVMH, Hertz, Merck, Nespresso, and Lexus, earning recognition for his ability to simplify complexity and unlock growth. His strategic vision was the inspiration behind Burger King's Whopper Detour, one of the most talked-about campaigns in recent years, which won the Titanium Grand Prix at Cannes — a rare and prestigious honor in the industry.

He has also been the recipient of the David Ogilvy Award, a testament to his ability to fuse data-driven insight with breakthrough creativity.

"Strategy is never abstract—it's always about people, culture, and the stories that connect them. When strategy is bold and human-centered, it transforms brands and creates cultural moments that last." - Bill Heilmann

Beyond his client work, Bill is also an entrepreneur and mentor. He has founded two successful digital startups, advised multiple ventures, and served as a member of the 4A's Strategy Council, contributing his expertise to shape the direction of the broader industry. His academic foundation is equally impressive: a B.A. in English from the University of Chicago, along with advanced research in Renaissance Art and Literature at Oxford University, reflecting his love of ideas and storytelling as much as business strategy.

In his current role, Bill leads the Media function at StrawberryFrog, ensuring that clients benefit from integrated thinking that spans data, planning, execution, and optimization. He is passionate about helping organizations not just talk about purpose, but live it — aligning their internal culture with the external stories they tell. Colleagues describe him as both analytical and imaginative, someone who can read a spreadsheet and a room with equal fluency.

Outside the office, Bill has a restless curiosity that often takes him far beyond conference rooms and boardrooms. He is an avid traveler who has been to over 150 different countries, inspired by the way new places, cultures, and perspectives spark fresh ideas. Whether it's exploring remote parts of Africa or traversing Middle-Eastern mountains with nomads, he finds that travel broadens his worldview and deepens his understanding of the cultural currents that shape people and brands.

For Bill Heilmann, strategy is never abstract — it's always about people, culture, and the stories that connect them. His career shows that when strategy is bold, clear, and human-centered, it doesn't just guide campaigns — it transforms brands, wins awards, and creates cultural moments that last.