New York City Witnesses the Launch of Highdive
Highdive Expands into New York City to Support KFC and Drive Growth
Highdive, the Chicago-based creative agency known for its people-first culture and award-winning work, has taken a significant step in its growth strategy by opening a new office in New York City. Located at 56 Greene Street in SoHo, the new office is set to open in August.
The initial focus of the NYC expansion is on the KFC account, a major client for Highdive that the agency won in late 2024. The New York office supports multi-year brand campaigns aimed at driving growth for KFC amid a competitive fried chicken market. While KFC work is the starting point, there is potential for the NYC office to take on other accounts as it grows.
To lead the work on KFC from the new office, Highdive has brought on executive creative directors Steven Fogel and Doug Fallon from Ogilvy New York. Their considerable industry experience and award-winning creative leadership, including prior work on brands like AT&T, DIRECTV, HBO Max, Mountain Dew, and Dunkin', aligns with Highdive's desire to tap into New York's large talent pool while maintaining its Midwestern roots and grit.
Highdive's expansion into New York is part of a broader strategy to sustain double-digit growth and enhance creative capabilities for existing and future clients. The agency emphasizes creating healthy relationships with clients, fostering creative excellence, and building a strong team culture to underpin its ongoing success.
The growth of Highdive is attributed to the quality of its work, as demonstrated by its 32% year-over-year growth in 2024. This growth has also been reflected in the agency's longstanding work with State Farm, which was nominated for an Emmy.
Despite the expansion, Highdive remains committed to its home base in Chicago. The Soho space for the New York office is modeled on Highdive's early Chicago days and is just big enough to meet current needs. Lally, a representative from Highdive, stated that New York allows them to look beyond Chicago, expanding their reach and opportunities.
The New York office is not just a support for KFC, but also for the agency's full client roster. The update to the story reflects this, highlighting that while Highdive is opening in NYC initially to support KFC, the office will also support the agency’s other clients.
In the face of increased competition in the fried chicken category and the wider advertising industry, Highdive's expansion into New York City is a strategic move to stay ahead and deliver culturally relevant and effective work for its clients.
[1] Highdive Press Release, "Highdive Expands to New York City to Support KFC and Drive Growth," www.highdiveagency.com/press-releases/highdive-expands-to-new-york-city-to-support-kfc-and-drive-growth
[2] Adweek, "Highdive Wins KFC Account, Taps Ogilvy Execs for New York Office," www.adweek.com/agency-news/highdive-wins-kfc-account-taps-ogilvy-execs-new-york-office/
[3] AdAge, "Highdive Opens New York Office to Support KFC Account and Expand Creative Capabilities," adage.com/article/agency-news/highdive-opens-new-york-office-support-kfc-account-expand-creative-capabilities/2331812
[1] The expansion of Highdive's creative capabilities is being financed with capital accrued from national and international business endeavors, fueling the agency's pursuit of growth with the opening of its New York City office.
[2] Highdive's aim in establishing a presence in New York City isn't only to support its major client KFC but also to advance and diversify its finance portfolio by securing other business partnerships in the heart of the financial capital.
