Unity hires ad veteran Caroline Blainey

Caroline Blainey, advertising industry veteran and former senior art director at the Guardian, has joined Unity as creative director.

Blainey will take overall responsibility for the agency’s creative output and processes. She will also act as head of Unity’s Creative and Production Hub.

Her career spans more than 17 years, with experience delivering a range of work as a senior art director at the Guardian, as well as art director and creative director roles at several agencies, including HHCL, Wieden + Kennedy, Brothers & Sisters, & Partnership and DLKW.

She has also worked with clients including Argos, Travelodge, M&S, British Gas, Unilever, Pot Noodle, Nike and Sky.

Highlights include the award-winning work she did at the Guardian on the A5 guides, where she picked up a D&AD Pencil.

Gerry Hopkinson, co-founder of Unity, said: “Blainey is a natural fit for Unity. She’s progressive, collaborative, fearless and down to earth. We immediately got on and felt we could do great work together.

“She’s got a great range of craft skills and a wealth of experience. She’s classically trained at the mighty West Herts College in Watford, has worked at some of the bravest and most successful agencies in the world and she rode across the United States on a bicycle. I mean, what’s not to like about this woman?”

Blainey said: “I’m very excited to join Unity as creative director. Unity have created some truly great work to over the last few years and I can’t wait to be part of this talented, energetic and vibrant team.”