James Siegel is vice chairman, senior executive creative director and member of the Board of Directors of BBDO New York and is one of the agency's top creative talents. His work includes such accounts as Visa, Frito-Lay (Tostitos), Charles Schwab, Office Depot and Pepsi Twist, where his contributions have played a significant role in enhancing the agency's creative reputation.
Siegel has been recognized for other spots, including two from Federal Express: the poignant and heartwarming "Adoption," which received a gold and silver at the New York Festivals in 1991, and "Secretary," which was selected "most humorous" and "best 30-second commercial" of 1992 by the Hollywood Radio and Television Society as well as being named both an Adweek and an Ad Age "Best Spot." Beyond this, Jimmy has won numerous other awards from the London International Advertising Festival, National ADDY's, Andy's and other prestigious industry competitions.
Most recently, Siegel was recognized by The Advertising Club for a poignant commercial he created for Visa following the September 11 attacks. As described by Adweek critic Barbara Lippert, "the spot did not respond to the sadness and powerlessness we felt, but rather, offered us an organic life force rising up before our eyes." The commercial, a salute to New York City's live theatre and the resolve of the people of New York, showed several black and white scenes capturing the romance and glamour of Broadway from both sides of the curtain, set against Judy Collins' unexpectedly haunting version of "Give My Regards To Broadway." "The curtain will never go down on New York City," said a simple title card at the close; and in so doing, Jimmy created what Ms. Lippert called "the best return to normal message she could imagine." The commercial has just been nominated for a 2002 Emmy.
Siegel holds a B.A. from the City University of New York. He lives on Long Island in New York.
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