Indie creative agency, Broken Heart Love Affair (BHLA) is growing its team with seven new hires across the organisation, including a major expansion of its design capabilities.

Neil Watson, an AI-forward designer and studio artist, joins to strengthen BHLA’s in-house studio capabilities. Most recently a senior designer at DonerNorth, Watson brings experience across both agency and client-side environments, including brands such as Canadian Tire, Edo Japan, Alcon, Lactalis, Irving Consumer Products and Green Giant, blending strategic thinking with modern experimentation to help the agency and our clients design for the future.

Designers, Jodi Patel, Janna Juan and Dustin Cordeiro are also joining the agency’s design team, bringing a depth of experience across brand systems, digital design and visual storytelling. Their addition strengthens BHLA’s ability to deliver culturally resonant work at scale in support of key client partners, primarily DoorDash Canada.

Alongside its investment in design, BHLA is also boosting its broader team with key hires across client service and operations.

Brian Bentley Falcke joins as brand lead, senior account director, where he will take the helm of BHLA’s DoorDash business. Falcke comes to BHLA from McCann, where he worked on the Wendy’s business, and prior to that held roles at T&P, leading parts of the Canada Post business, and at Performance Art, where he led BMW Canada.

Supporting the heartbeat of BHLA’s day-to-day creative output is Jordyn Ferriss, who steps in as project specialist. Most recently at Bensimon Byrne, she worked across clients including Rexall and Proximo Spirits. Ferriss known for her steady presence and sharp organizational instincts. She will play a central role in exceptional project delivery across clients.

EA and office manager, Amanda Ilagan brings both client and agency experience.  She was an account coordinator at Substance Group where she supported clients such as DAZN, Freedom Mobile, MLSE, Sony, Bell Media, and TIFF before going client side as a Legal Assistant at OWS Law.  Her diverse background will strengthen BHLA’s operational and administrative capabilities.

“These talented individuals each bring something special to BHLA,” stated Rachelle Claveau, EVP & national managing director. “They represent where we’re heading – stronger, more thoughtful and more equipped to make work that consumers love.”