Grupo Gallegos, a creatively-driven, independent advertising agency, recently recognized as one of AdAge's "Agencies to Watch 2015," is pleased to announce two additions to its creative department, Associate Creative Directors Sharon Cleary and Franz Río de la Loza.

Sharon joins Grupo Gallegos after a 15-year career in Europe, including stints at some of the most notable agencies in Amsterdam and Barcelona. Most recently, she spent time at Tribal DDB Amsterdam, where she played a key role on the team that won the Heineken global digital business.

Prior to Tribal DDB, Sharon worked on range of local and international clients at DDB, including Philips and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Sharon also spent four years at Villar-Rosàs in Barcelona, where she worked on projects for Nike and Dewar's, among other brands.

"Sharon is a well-respected agency veteran who brings to Grupo Gallegos a wide range of work in her portfolio and a history of award-winning campaigns at Cannes, CLIO, and Eurobest," shared Marty Orzio, Chief Creative Officer. "She is truly well rounded, with integrated experience working on some of the world's most renowned brands. Hiring her was an absolute no brainer."

Franz began his 20+ year career in Mexico, gaining experience at top international agencies, such as Leo Burnett, JWT, and Ogilvy & Mather, before continuing his career in the U.S. at both Hispanic and General Market agencies. His diverse portfolio includes brands such as Budweiser, Verizon, ESPN, Jaguar, P&G, and Subway, among others.

A copywriter by training, Franz is known for taking an integrated approach to developing engaging brand advertising. He's won a variety of awards as well, including having created a campaign that was among the top 10 most awarded campaigns by The Gunn Report.

"In this age of distractions, with Franz, you're getting a superstar creative who doesn't have just one style," said Orzio. "He can do what is right for many different clients, and that's truly a gift."