Kurt Mills
Copywriter / Creative Director / Cannes Winner
Bio
I'm a copywriter, Creative Director and Gold Cannes Lion winner. Award-winning ideas. Growing business. Building clients relationships. That's what I'm here for.
I've worked at some of the best agencies on the planet, dealt with celebrities, global brands, pitched and won clients and also grew their business. I also went to theater school, so I'm a killer presenter...
I like advertising that doesn't feel like advertising. We once had a guy hitchhike coast-to-coast in nothing but his underwear. In November. And he made headlines in every city along the way. That's the best kind of marketing.
Career highlights?
I got yelled at by Steve Carrell, convinced Jean-Claude Van Damme to wear a bridesmaid dress and Simu Liu stole my Raptors hat. Not at the same time, obviously.
Experience
I headed to San Francisco, and was recently running accounts for Kraft Heinz and FritoLay Canada. Under our leadership, both went from small projects to major accounts, growing Kraft Heinz by 400% in 3 years, and Frito by 50% in just one year.
I helped turn john st. into Agency of the Year and the place everyone wanted to work. In a few short years, we went from a traditional agency to everything. This is where we had a guy hitchhike across Canada in his underwear (for an underwear client, naturally).
An unlikely agency on the most easterly point in Canada. We got to work on some of the biggest Canadian brands, like Air Canada and McCain Foods. And our Newfoundland tourism campaign, which I helped create, is still going strong to this day.
Awards
2025
Cannes Lions – Silver Lion – Creative Strategy – Cheetos Sponsortips
Webby Awards – Nominee – AI Products & Services – Dunkables: A.I. vs K.I.
2024
Campaign – Creative Team of the Year Runners-Up
One Show – Shortlist – Creative Technology Use of AI – Dunkables: A.I. vs K.I.
D&AD – Shortlist – Integrated – Cheetos Sponsortips
Clio Sports – Silver – Experience/Activation: Use of Talent – Cheetos Sponsortips
Webby Awards – Nominee – PR/Branded Content Food & Beverage – FritoLay: See Thee Rise
ADC Awards – Shortlist – Live Experience Design Stunts – Cheetos Sponsortips
ADC Awards – Shortlist – AI Idea - Dunkables: A.I. vs K.I.
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – Film/Video Special Effects – Dunkables: A.I. vs K.I.
SF ADDY Awards – Bronze – OOH Multiple Boards – Dunkables: A.I. vs K.I.
Kraft ACE Awards – Runner-Up – TV Campaign – Dunkables: A.I. vs K.I.
Kraft ACE Awards – Shortlist – Creative Strategy - Dunkables: A.I. vs K.I.
2023
Fast Company – The Most Creative Marketing Campaigns of 2023
Cannes Lions – Gold Lion – Creative Commerce – Lunchables: Lunchabuild This
Effies – Gold – Media Idea – Lunchables: Lunchabuild This
Effies – Finalist – Food – Lunchables: Lunchabuild This
One Show – Merit – Creative Effectiveness – Lunchables: Lunchabuild This
One Show – Shortlist – IP & Product Design – Lunchables: Lunchabuild This
One Show – Shortlist – Integrated Brand Transformation – Lunchables: Lunchabuild This
One Show – Shortlist – IP & Product Design – FritoLay: See Thee Rise
Clios – Shortlist – Integrated – Lunchables: Lunchabuild This
Fast Company Innovation by Design Awards – Honoree – Marketing – Lunchables: Lunchabuild This
SF ADDY Awards – Gold – TV Commercial – Califia Calilujah
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – TV Campaign – Califia Calilujah
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – Out of Home – Lunchables: Lunchabuild This
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – Art Direction – Lunchables: Lunchabuild This
2022
D&AD – Wood Pencil – Experiential / Retail – Lunchables: Built to be Eaten
D&AD – Wood Pencil – Media Collaboration – Lunchables: Built to be Eaten
ANDYS – Gold – Idea – Lunchables: Built to be Eaten
Cannes Lions – Shortlist – Brand Experience & Activation – Lunchables: Built to be Eaten
One Show – Shortlist – Lunchables: Built to be Eaten
ADC Awards – Merit – Promotional Materials – Lunchables: Built to be Eaten
ADC Awards – Merit – POP Display – Lunchables: Built to be Eaten
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – Integrated – Lunchables: Built to be Eaten
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – Art Direction – Lunchables: Built to be Eaten
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – Sales Sheet – Lunchables: Built to be Eaten
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – POP Campaign – Lunchables: Built to be Eaten
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – Art Direction – Califia Calilujah
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – Music with Lyrics – Califia Calilujah
2021
One Show – Merit – Innovation & Transformation – HP Windows of Hope
One Show – Merit – Print Poster Series – HP Windows of Hope
One Show – Merit – Design Promotional Poster Series – HP Windows of Hope
One Show – Shortlist – HP Windows of Hope
Effies – Finalist – Business & Office Supplies – HP Get Real
ADC Awards – Bronze – Design for Good Illustration – HP Windows of Hope
ADC Awards – Shortlist – Design for Good Advertising – HP Windows of Hope
National ADDY Awards – Gold – OOH & Ambient Poster Campaign – HP Windows of Hope
SF ADDY Awards – Gold – Poster Campaign – HP Windows of Hope
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – Illustration Series – HP Windows of Hope
2020
Effies – Gold – Beverages Non–Alcohol – Pepsi More Than OK
Cannes – Shortlist – Creative Strategy Challenger Brand – Pepsi More Than OK
One Show – Shortlist – HP Get Real
One Show – Shortlist – HP Get Real
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – HP Get Real
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – HP Get Real
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – BMW Like New
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – BMW Like New
2019
One Show – Bronze Pencil – Under 100K – BMW Like New
One Show – Bronze Pencil – Online Films – BMW Like New
One Show – Merit – TV Campaign – BMW Like New
D&AD – Shortlist – Integrated – BMW Like New
ADC Awards – Silver – Low–Budget TV – BMW Like New
ADC Awards – Bronze – Integrated – BMW Like New
ADC Awards – Merit – TV/Online Film – BMW Like New
ADC Awards – Silver – Mobile Use of Technology – CheetosVision
ADC Awards – Bronze – Innovation Interactive – CheetosVision
Clios – Shortlist – Innovation – BMW Like New
National ADDY Awards – Silver – Mobile App – CheetosVision
SF ADDY Awards – Gold – Mobile App – CheetosVision
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – Innovative Technology – CheetosVision
2018
Cannes Lions – Gold Lion – Creative Effectiveness – Cheetos Museum
Cannes Lions – Bronze Lion – Advanced Learning Technologies – CheetosVision
Clios – Shortlist – Innovation – CheetosVision
2017
Adweek – 10 Young Talents Defining the Next Generation of Marketing
Cannes Lions – Gold Lion – Promo and Activation – Cheetos Museum
Cannes Lions – Gold Lion – PR Food and Drink – Cheetos Museum
Cannes Lions – Gold Lion – PR User–Generated Content – Cheetos Museum
Cannes Lions – Gold Lion – Cyber User–Generated Content – Cheetos Museum
Cannes Lions – Silver Lion – Integrated – Cheetos Museum
Cannes Lions – Silver Lion – Cyber Food and Drinks – Cheetos Museum
Cannes Lions – Shortlist – PR Media Relations – Cheetos Museum
Cannes Lions – Shortlist – Promo and Activation – Doritos No Choice
Cannes Lions – Shortlist – Design Social Engagement – Doritos No Choice
Cannes Lions – Shortlist – Radio Audio Technology – Election FM
One Show – Gold Pencil – User–Generated Content – Cheetos Museum
One Show – Bronze Pencil – Social Campaign – Cheetos Museum
One Show – Bronze – Social Engagement – Doritos No Choice
One Show – Merit – Experiential Radio – Election FM
One Show – Shortlist – Doritos No Choice
One Show – Shortlist – Doritos No Choice
Effies – Gold – Snacks and Desserts – Cheetos Museum
ADC Awards – Bronze – GPS Technology – Election FM
ADC Awards – Bronze – Interactive Film – Doritos Multi–Screen Music Video
ADC Awards – Merit – Digital Stunts – Cheetos Museum
ADC Awards – Merit – Digital Installation – Cheetos Museum
ANDYS – Silver – Direct Response – Doritos No Choice
ANDYS – Bronze – Consumer Generated Content – Cheetos Museum
Clios – Silver – Experiential Events – Cheetos Museum
Clios – Silver – Social Media Campaign – Cheetos Museum
Clios – Bronze – PR Brand Development – Cheetos Museum
Clio Sports – Bronze – Corporate Identity – Golden State Warriors
Clio Sports – Bronze – Poster – Golden State Warriors
Clio Sports – Bronze – Experiential – Golden State Warriors
Clio Sports – Shortlist – Integrated Campaign – Golden State Warriors
Clio Sports – Shortlist – Logo – Golden State Warriors
Webby Awards – Nominee – Social Engagement – Cheetos Museum
Webby Awards – Honoree – Interactive Video – Doritos Multi–Screen Music Video
Webby Awards – Honoree – Innovation – Doritos Multi–Screen Music Video
National ADDY Awards – Gold – Guerrilla Marketing – Doritos No Choice
National ADDY Awards – Gold – Integrated – Cheetos Museum
National ADDY Awards – Gold – Social Media – Cheetos Museum
National ADDY Awards – Gold – Interactive Branded Content – Doritos Multi–Screen Music Video
National ADDY Awards – Silver – Integrated – Doritos No Choice
SF ADDY Awards – Gold – Integrated – Cheetos Museum
SF ADDY Awards – Gold – Social Media Campaign – Cheetos Museum
SF ADDY Awards – Gold – Direct Marketing – Doritos No Choice
SF ADDY Awards – Gold – Integrated – Doritos No Choice
SF ADDY Awards – Gold – OOH Guerrilla – Doritos No Choice
SF ADDY Awards – Gold – Music Video – Doritos Multi–Screen Music Video
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – Online Public Service – Election FM
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – Branded Content & Entertainment – Doritos Multi–Screen Music Video
2016
Cannes Lions – Shortlist – Entertainment – Doritos Multi–Screen Music Video
2015
Communication Arts – In–Book – Digital Advertising Entertainment – #SignMyTweet
National ADDY Awards – Silver – Digital Advertising – #SignMyTweet
2014
Cannes Lions – Bronze Lion – Film – ExFEARiential
D&AD – Wood Pencil – Writing for Advertising – ExFEARiential
One Show – Merit – Online Film – ExFEARiential
Communication Arts – In–Book – Self Promotion – ExFEARiential
Communication Arts – In–Book – Television – Kobo Reader’s Passion
Webby Awards – Honoree – Best Copywriting – ExFEARiential
Webby Awards – Honoree – Branded Entertainment – ExFEARiential
Webby Awards – Honoree – Social Media – The Gitchhiker
2013
Cannes Lions – Bronze Lion – Cyber – Mitsubishi Electriphobia
Cannes Lions – Shortlist – Film Cyber – Buyral
Cannes Lions – Shortlist – Cyber – The Gitchhiker
One Show – Silver Pencil – Self–Promotion – Buyral
One Show – Merit – Branded Entertainment – The Gitchhiker
D&AD – Wood Pencil – Writing for Advertising – Buyral
Communication Arts – In–Book – Self–Promotion – Buyral
Communication Arts – In–Book – Advertising – The Gitchhiker
Communication Arts – In–Book – Digital Advertising – Mitsubishi Electriphobia
Webby Awards – Nominee – Best Copywriting – Buyral
Webby Awards – Honoree – Branded Content – Buyral
2012
One Show – Bronze Pencil – Self–Promotion – Catvertising
D&AD – Wood Pencil – Branding – Catvertising
D&AD – Wood Pencil – Web Films – Catvertising
Cannes Lions – Shortlist – Online Film – Catvertising
Cannes Lions – Shortlist – Film – Break Your Routine
Communication Arts – In–Book – Advertising Self–Promotion – Catvertising
Clios – Shortlist – PR Special Event – Free Parking Day
Webby Awards – Nominee – Best Copywriting – Catvertising
Webby Awards – Nominee – Branded Entertainment – Catvertising
London International Awards – Bronze – Use of Copywriting – Catvertising
Kurt Mills
Copywriter
Creative Director
Cannes Winner
Bio
I'm a copywriter, Creative Director and Gold Cannes Lion winner. Award-winning ideas. Growing business. Building clients relationships. That's what I'm here for.
I've worked at some of the best agencies on the planet, dealt with celebrities, global brands, pitched and won clients and also grew their business. I also went to theater school, so I'm a killer presenter...
I like advertising that doesn't feel like advertising. We once had a guy hitchhike coast-to-coast in nothing but his underwear. In November. And he made headlines in every city along the way. That's the best kind of marketing.
Career highlights?
I got yelled at by Steve Carrell, convinced Jean-Claude Van Damme to wear a bridesmaid dress and Simu Liu stole my Raptors hat. Not at the same time, obviously.
Brags
Experience
2014 - now // Goodby Silverstein & Partners // San Francisco
2008 - 2014 // john st. // Toronto
2003 - 2008 // Target Marketing & Communications // St. John's
Awards
2025
Cannes Lions – Silver Lion – Creative Strategy – Cheetos Sponsortips
Webby Awards – Nominee – AI Products & Services – Dunkables: A.I. vs K.I.
2024
Campaign – Creative Team of the Year Runners-Up
One Show – Shortlist – Creative Technology Use of AI – Dunkables: A.I. vs K.I.
D&AD – Shortlist – Integrated – Cheetos Sponsortips
Clio Sports – Silver – Experience/Activation: Use of Talent – Cheetos Sponsortips
Webby Awards – Nominee – PR/Branded Content Food & Beverage – See Thee Rise
ADC Awards – Shortlist – Live Experience Design Stunts – Cheetos Sponsortips
ADC Awards – Shortlist – AI Idea - Dunkables: A.I. vs K.I.
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – Film/Video Special Effects – Dunkables: A.I. vs K.I.
SF ADDY Awards – Bronze – OOH Multiple Boards – Dunkables: A.I. vs K.I.
Kraft ACE Awards – Runner-Up – TV Campaign – Dunkables: A.I. vs K.I.
Kraft ACE Awards – Shortlist – Creative Strategy - Dunkables: A.I. vs K.I.
2023
Fast Company – The Most Creative Marketing Campaigns of 2023
Cannes Lions – Gold Lion – Creative Commerce – Lunchables: Lunchabuild This
Effies – Gold – Media Idea – Lunchables: Lunchabuild This
Effies – Finalist – Food – Lunchables: Lunchabuild This
One Show – Merit – Creative Effectiveness – Lunchables: Lunchabuild This
One Show – Shortlist – IP & Product Design – Lunchables: Lunchabuild This
One Show – Shortlist – Integrated Brand Transformation – Lunchables: Lunchabuild This
One Show – Shortlist – IP & Product Design – FritoLay: See Thee Rise
Clios – Shortlist – Integrated – Lunchables: Lunchabuild This
Fast Company Innovation by Design Awards – Honoree – Marketing – Lunchables: Lunchabuild This
SF ADDY Awards – Gold – TV Commercial – Califia Calilujah
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – TV Campaign – Califia Calilujah
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – Out of Home – Lunchables: Lunchabuild This
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – Art Direction – Lunchables: Lunchabuild This
2022
D&AD – Wood Pencil – Experiential / Retail – Lunchables: Built to be Eaten
D&AD – Wood Pencil – Media Collaboration – Lunchables: Built to be Eaten
ANDYS – Gold – Idea – Lunchables: Built to be Eaten
Cannes Lions – Shortlist – Lunchables: Built to be Eaten
One Show – Shortlist – Lunchables: Built to be Eaten
ADC Awards – Merit – Promotional Materials – Lunchables: Built to be Eaten
ADC Awards – Merit – POP Display – Lunchables: Built to be Eaten
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – Integrated – Lunchables: Built to be Eaten
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – Art Direction – Lunchables: Built to be Eaten
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – Sales Sheet – Lunchables: Built to be Eaten
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – POP Campaign – Lunchables: Built to be Eaten
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – Art Direction – Califia Calilujah
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – Music with Lyrics – Califia Calilujah
2021
One Show – Merit – Innovation & Transformation – HP Windows of Hope
One Show – Merit – Print Poster Series – HP Windows of Hope
One Show – Merit – Design Promotional Poster Series – HP Windows of Hope
One Show – Shortlist – HP Windows of Hope
Effies – Finalist – Business & Office Supplies – HP Get Real
ADC Awards – Bronze – Design for Good Illustration – HP Windows of Hope
ADC Awards – Shortlist – Design for Good Advertising – HP Windows of Hope
National ADDY Awards – Gold – OOH & Ambient Poster Campaign – HP Windows of Hope
SF ADDY Awards – Gold – Poster Campaign – HP Windows of Hope
SF ADDY Awards – Silver – Illustration Series – HP Windows of Hope
2020
Effies – Gold – Beverages Non–Alcohol – Pepsi More Than OK
Cannes – Shortlist – Creative Strategy Challenger Brand – Pepsi More Than OK