THE PALE HORSE & THE PUDGY KID
Lance Parrish is Executive Creative Director at Grey
Lance is a creative leader, people inspirer, and business partner. While he puts 110% into the work, he believes the real magic happens in relationships. He’s had the pleasure of working alongside some of the best in the business and helping others uncover and discover their true potential.
Lance's career is built on embracing the 'hard' assignments, the challenges most creatives shy away from. His unique approach has transformed demo-loving brands into award-winning storytellers, reviving a forty-year-old brand and integrating it into the GenZ cultural zeitgeist. But his true passion lies in assembling the right team to tackle these challenges head-on.
Lance is currently on his second tour of Grey NY. From 2011 - 2018, he helped pitch and win Gillette’s global business, Bose, Advil, Febreze,Applebee’s and LVCVA (Las Vegas) social business. During this tenure, the agency was named Adweek’s Global Agency of the Year and Advertising Age’s Agency of the Year.
Lance spent a couple of years freelancing, during which time he was brought in to help win pitches for places like Droga5, McCann, FIG, and J&L. Enjoying the successes and freedom of being a hired gun, he ultimately missed team building and client relationships.
In 2021, Lance's return to Grey at the request of Applebee’s CMO marked a significant turning point. His creative leadership led to a fruitful partnership, resulting in Applebee’s best year in 40 years, outperforming the category for 51 straight weeks. The work was recognized with the Grand Effie, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Cannes Lions, firmly establishing the brand in the cultural sphere. That same year, he led Gillette to its first Super Bowl appearance. In 2022, Grey was honored as the Comeback Agency of the Year by AdAge.
Lance’s work has appeared in the Super Bowl five times and has been awarded Gold by all the shows: Cannes, D&AD, ANDYs, One Show, Clios, Art Directors Club, London International, and Effies. His work has led to a Grammy Nomination and studies in Egyptology at Brown University, and he makes his mother proud.
Lance's roots lie in a cattle and tobacco farm in central Kentucky, where he spent his days on horses and tractors, pondering how he might complicate his life. Advertising became his answer. In his free time, he restores old axes, carves wooden spoons, collects sticks that resemble guns, and contemplates the next Par 3.