Brand experience agency AVANTGARDE has announced the expansion of its leadership team with Richie Gage joining as head of live, and Alex Faulkner and Sandra Perriot stepping up to client services lead and strategy lead respectively.
Gage brings over two decades of experience to the agency, having worked across campaigns for the likes of Netflix, Airbnb, Nike, Google, Pinterest, Playstation, and Lego. Prior to AVANTGARDE, he served as a managing partner at Bearded Kitten, where he helped fast track the agency growth and reputation, and was also at Amplify for over 10 years.
In his new role, Richie will lead and shape AVANTGARDE’s new ‘Live’ team, reporting to managing director Rachel Lewandowska.
Alex Faulkner has been instrumental in winning, retaining and growing key clients within AVANTGARDE since he joined in 2023, and Sandra Perriot has been pivotal in setting the strategic direction across both new and existing clients and AVANTGARDE’s trends events series, Voices.
In their new roles, Gage, Faulkner and Perriot will sit alongside the existing leadership team of Harry McCreanor, global business development director, Sam Pepper, executive creative director, and James Wallingford, head of innovation.
The expanded team reflects the agency’s continued investment in leadership depth, operational excellence, and creative ambition, following its 40-year milestone celebrated last year.
Gage said: “I’m super happy to join the team at AVANTGARDE and have been a fan of their work for several years. I’ve seen the plans Rachel, and the team have for this next chapter, and it is an incredibly exciting time to come on board.”
Lewandowska added: “AVANTGARDE have always been known for delivery excellence, and Richie’s experience in forming standout teams will only strengthen this reputation. Richie brings a wealth of ability, and his appointment will further sharpen the live activations we create for our clients.
“With the brilliant duo of Alex and Sandra also bolstering our senior benches, these changes will truly make AVANTGARDE a brand experience force of the future.”