Samarth I William Gelner takes the helm as CCO at The Shipyard, following the firm’s strategic restructuring and its unification with Fahlgren Mortine and Turner.
In a move signaling its next phase of growth, The Shipyard has appointed William Gelner as its new Chief Creative Officer. Gelner’s appointment comes on the heels of a significant restructuring that brings together The Shipyard, Fahlgren Mortine, and Turner under a unified umbrella, forming what the company now refers to as The Shipyard Collective.
Gelner, a seasoned creative leader, joins the agency from his prior role at a leading firm where he played a pivotal role in shaping bold, brand-defining campaigns. His appointment marks an important step in the company’s evolution, as it seeks to leverage creative leadership to build stronger, integrated marketing solutions across its expanded portfolio.
The integration of Fahlgren Mortine and Turner, both well-established in the communications and digital marketing spaces, enables The Shipyard to deliver more cohesive strategies to clients. With Gelner now leading the creative vision, the collective aims to break new ground by blending traditional PR with innovative digital approaches.
This restructuring is not just about expanding capabilities—it also reflects a broader trend in the industry toward more agile, multi-disciplinary agencies that can offer end-to-end solutions. For Gelner, the challenge will be to maintain a sharp creative edge while fostering collaboration across this now-broader organization.
As the agency continues to evolve, Gelner’s leadership will be crucial in shaping its future trajectory, especially in a marketplace where agility and creativity are key to staying ahead.
Gelner’s leadership will likely have significant implications for the collective’s positioning in the competitive landscape. His ability to synthesize creative and strategic objectives could set The Shipyard apart as a formidable force in an increasingly crowded market.
