Chicago advertising agency hires award-winning MIAD alum

Wingstop | Thighstop New product launch campaign featuring Rick Ross. Matt McNulty, Creative Director, Leo Burnett – 2021

Chicago-based advertising agency O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul (OKRP) recently hired MIAD alum Matt McNulty, Communication Design ’13, as a Group Creative Director for Burger King. McNulty teams up with Ben Pfutzenreuter on the account, a creative partnership which began several years ago at Leo Burnett Worldwide. While there, the duo collaborated on Wingstop’s award-winning “Thighstop” campaign in response to the 2021 chicken wing shortage.

Working with big brands is nothing new for McNulty and Pfutzenreuter, whose experience spans companies from Progressive Insurance to Pepsi and whose work has been featured in Super Bowl and Grammy campaigns. “I manage lots of creatives in my job,” says McNulty, “and I believe MIAD equipped me with the perspective to be able to work with lots of folks with differing styles and preferences.” 

McNulty also offers insights for young creatives looking at a future in art and design: “The truest form of art and expression will always be what’s most connected to you, and that’s something people can feel,” he says. “Creativity is a personal journey, and you are enough… MIAD has always been a space of welcoming and uplifting people for their own voice, and I think that’s a really nice energy to bring to our community.”

Stay up to date with Matt’s work, check out Ben’s website, and read more about McNulty and Pfutzenreuter’s new position. You can also read more about McNulty’s success in MIAD’s new catalog.