Deaglan MacFarland
Senior Vice President, Brand Strategy
New York
Deaglan delivers enduring value and growth to clients through brand strategy and creativity. He always focuses on being as effective and influential as possible for clients and fighting for the work.
He cut his teeth at Droga5 NY, adam&eveDDB, Ogilvy, and Spark44. Where he helped transform some of the world's leading brands: Jaguar, Google, Volkswagen, Noom, Walmart, IBM, Air Wick, Guinness, FIFA, The International Rescue Committee, Ford, U.K. Parliamentary Labour Party.
He has published in WIRED and contributed to The Economist.
Deaglan and his wife, Kate, have two daughters, Isobel and Sofia. They live in Brooklyn, NY, where they enjoy French cooking, art, parks, and trying to dance to great music.
Q & A
What are you most proud of in your career?
Helping refugees for three years at the International Rescue Committee, making a real difference.
Name one thing most people don’t know about you.
Once, I pretended to take a call to avoid small talk with President Bill Clinton.
How would your mother describe you?
She'd say, “He's strong when needed, with a big heart.”
What are your greatest strengths as a communications practitioner?
I'm passionate about creating work that influences and makes a meaningful impact.
What is your favorite food?
Love Nouvelle Cuisine - it's fresh, artistic, and a lighter approach to French cooking.
Describe your perfect client.
The one who embraces creativity and wants work that genuinely works.
What three hobbies or activities do you enjoy most?
French cooking, art, parks, and attempting to dance to great music.
What’s your favorite part of the workday?
Right after I sell a strategy or creative idea, the vision becomes reality.
Who would play you in the movie version of your life?
People mention Ethan Hawke or James Franco, but I'm not sure.
What is your favorite quote?
“This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one...” – George Bernard Shaw—a reminder to leave a meaningful mark.