HELLO!
I’m Mike Genchi, a seasoned creative director with nearly 24 years of experience, and I am recognized for uniting and leading diverse teams to deliver award-winning creative solutions. My expertise extends beyond traditional creative direction; I am deeply committed to fostering team development, mentoring talent, and building strong, enduring client relationships. I have a proven ability to navigate complex integrations, as demonstrated most recently by my successful leadership during the union of creative teams within the Republix network of agencies. I bring a balanced approach of strategic insight and empathetic leadership, consistently driving impactful brand narratives that resonate with clients and audiences.
EXPERIENCE
REPUBLIX PLATFORM TECHNOLOGIES - Toronto, ON
Creative Director 2020 - July 2024
Worked with: High Liner Foodservice, Calgary Zoo, Sailun Tires, Kings University, Western University, Centennial Windows and Doors, Canada Tire, Generate Canada, Critical Impact, Cost Cutters, Smart Style Salons, Rooster’s, Mitsubishi Electric US, Gratitude Seafood, Saskatchewan Blue Cross, Simplicity Car Care, Bespoke AV, Canadian Association of Optometrists, Firehouse Subs, Orange Theory Fitness, Tool Shed Brewing.
As a senior leadership team member, I spearheaded the integration of creative teams within the Republix network, aligning a diverse group of specialized creative talent and fostering a unified and innovative creative department. Together we successfully pitched new business while also growing organic opportunities with existing clients based on our ability to deliver on our cross-functional creative team model.
TAG AGENCY - Thornhill, ON
Creative Director 2019 - May 2020
Associate Creative Director 2016 - 2019
Senior Art Director 2011 - 2016
Associate Creative Director 2016 - 2019
Senior Art Director 2011 - 2016
Worked with: First Choice Haircutters, BMW, MINI, Kraft, Honda, Canadian Tire, The Weather Network (Pelmorex), High Liner Foods, York University, Mitsubishi Electric Canada, Nuborrow, Raincoast Trading, MR.SUB, Philips, BBN, CooperVision, Mazda Canada, Country Style, Toronto Blue Jays, Clover Leaf, Extreme Pita.
Evolved from Associate Creative Director to Creative Director, where I played a pivotal role in shaping the agency’s creative vision and driving strategic initiatives. I was responsible for leading high-profile campaigns across diverse industries, ensuring that our creative output not only met but exceeded client expectations.
THE AUTUMN GROUP ADVERTISING & DESIGN - Markham, ON
Art Director 2002 - 2011
Graphic Designer / Production Artist 2000-2002
Graphic Designer / Production Artist 2000-2002
Worked with: Diageo, NHL, In the Game Trading Cards, Ricoh, Cuisipro, Nabisco, Delmonte, Honda, Browne & Company, CarStar, Saputo, Vinylbilt Windows, Town of Markham, Toronto Real Estate Board, Schneider Electric, Bauch & Lomb.
Advanced from Graphic Designer/Production Artist to Art Director where I contributed to the creative process for numerous successful campaigns and projects. My role extended beyond traditional design to include strategic input that significantly enhanced client outcomes and positioned brands more competitively in the market.
EDUCATION
HUMBER COLLEGE
2000 - Humber College | Electronic Publishing. Certificate
1999 - Humber College | Advertising & Graphic Design. Diploma
1997 - Humber College | Design Foundations
SHINY STUFF
W3 Awards
2006 Silver Award Corporate Communications - Crimson Interactive Website
Communicator Awards
2016 Gold Award of Excellence: Kraft, Get Inspired with Food - Commercials - Food/Beverage
2016 Silver Award of Distinction: FCH, BTF “Delivery” - Commercials (Low budget)
2016 Silver Award of Distinction: FCH, Be the Face of FCH Integrated Campaign - Business to Consumer
2016 Silver Award of Distinction: High Liner Foods - “Official Frozen Seafood of the NHL” - Content & Marketing,
Branded Social Campaign
Branded Social Campaign
2020 Gold Awards of Excellence: Mitsubishi Electric Sales Canada “Thermostat Wars” - Category: Online Video,
Individual Technology
Individual Technology
2020 Gold Awards of Excellence: Alert Ready “Life-Saving Device” - Category: Individual Public Service
2020 Gold Awards of Excellence: First Choice Haircutters “#First Choice Cares” - Category: Campaign-Cause Marketing
2020 Gold Awards of Excellence: Shoeless Joe’s “Menu Redesign” - Category: Collateral-Menu
2020 Silver Award of Distinction: Travel Industry Council Of Ontario “Asterisk” - Category: Online Video, Travel
Summit Awards
2019 Silver Award Creative : #FirstChoiceCares - Public Service/Advocacy
2019 Silver Award Creative: Raincoast Trading - Integrated Campaign
2019 Silver Award Creative: Raincoast Trading - Video $5000-$25,000
2020 Bronze Award Creative: Mitsubishi Electric Sales Canada “Thermostat Wars” - TV/Commercial
2020 Gold Award Creative: Pelmorex - Alert Ready - Public Service Television/Internet/Radio
2019 Silver Marketing Effectiveness Award: #FirstChoiceCares - Public Service/Advocacy
2021 Platinum Marketing Effectiveness Award: Raincoast Trading - Integrated Campaign, Consumer