Outline:
DDA Expands U.S. Operations with New Leadership
DDA, a global communications agency, has made significant moves to strengthen its presence in the United States by appointing two key executives. Matt Andrée Wiltens has been named senior vice president, U.S. entertainment & strategy, while Ryan Smith has joined as a director, U.S./domestic film & series. The announcement was made on Thursday, signaling DDA’s growing ambitions in the American market.
The company, already well-established in the United Kingdom, is now focusing on expanding its operations in the U.S. and plans to increase its involvement in areas such as film, awards, festivals, and live events. Both new hires will be based in DDA’s Los Angeles office, where they will play pivotal roles in shaping the agency’s future in the entertainment industry.
Matt Andrée Wiltens: A Seasoned Film Executive
Andrée Wiltens brings over two decades of experience in the film and entertainment sector. His career has included working in-house at major studios, production companies, and agencies, where he has handled various aspects of communications, including film PR, awards, brand building, and marketing.
Prior to joining DDA, Andrée Wiltens served as a senior vice president and head of global corporate communications at Gersh. During his tenure, he led the agency through a period of significant growth and global expansion. As part of this transition, Gersh has also become a client of DDA, entrusting the agency with all corporate communications and company events.
Before Gersh, Andrée Wiltens spent five years at Amblin Partners, where he worked as vice president of marketing and communications. He was instrumental in leading award-winning campaigns for films such as 1917, The Fabelmans, Green Book, and West Side Story. He collaborated closely with renowned filmmakers like Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes, and his work spanned every aspect of the marketing and awards cycles.
His career began at Paramount, where he spent ten years working across PR and marketing, both internationally and globally. He later worked in-house with filmmaker Michael Mann on Ferrari.
Ryan Smith: A Leader in Film and Television Publicity
Ryan Smith brings nearly a decade of experience in managing high-profile campaigns for major studios and platforms. He has worked extensively at R&C and PMK, supporting campaigns for Apple TV, Lionsgate, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Angel Studios, AGBO, CJ 4DPLEX, and more. His work has included talent publicity and executive visibility campaigns.
At DDA, Smith will lead the U.S. film and series team in Los Angeles and serve as a counterpart to Katie Conklin and her team in New York City. His role is expected to be critical in driving the agency’s growth in the domestic film and television space.
DDA’s Expansion Strategy
DDA has been actively expanding its footprint in recent years. The company opened a New York office, launched a joint venture in Dubai to establish its first outpost in the Middle East, and created a live content division. With a staff of 150 employees across offices in Los Angeles, New York, London, and Dubai, DDA continues to build its global network.
Dana Archer, a partner based in Los Angeles, praised both Andrée Wiltens and Smith for their unique skills and industry connections. She noted that Andrée Wiltens’ creative vision and operational expertise make him a trusted advisor to top executives and creatives. Similarly, she highlighted Ryan Smith’s leadership and passion for storytelling as assets that will contribute to DDA’s success in the U.S. market.
Conclusion
With the addition of Andrée Wiltens and Ryan Smith, DDA is well-positioned to strengthen its influence in the U.S. entertainment industry. Their combined experience and strategic approach are expected to drive the agency’s continued growth and innovation in film, awards, festivals, and live events. As DDA expands its operations, it is clear that the company is committed to becoming a major player in the American market.