A rare gem in the industry—Kim Jones Linn is a creative leader who started as a graphic designer, evolved into an art director, and then mastered the craft of writing. With equal parts agency and in-house experience, she brings a unique, well-rounded perspective to every brand she touches. As Group Creative Director at PepsiCo’s in-house agency, she proved that in-house creativity can rival the best of the agency world—stealing multiple projects away from Pepsi’s AORs in the process.
PepsiCo In-House
Group Creative Director (2016-Present)
First creative hire for Pepsi's internal studio. Leader of Pepsi's internal creative team expanding it to over 30 while reporting to Lou Arbetter, VP of Creative & Production at PepsiCo North America. Oversaw social media for Pepsi, Mtn Dew, Bubly, Lifewtr, Mug, and Pepsi Dig In. Responsible for consumer marketing campaigns and brand partnerships (NFL, Jersey Mikes, Panera, Regal, Kroger, Circle-K, 7-Eleven), as well as experiential events (Rockstar) and product launches.
Clients: Pepsi, Mtn Dew, Bubly, Starry, Lifewtr, Mug, Pepsi Dig In, KFC, Jersey Mikes, Panera, Kroger, 7-Eleven, CircleK, Regal, Hard Mountain Dew (Boston Beer Co), SodaStream
Pitch
Creative Director (2013-2016)
Led the global Burger King Kids account, creating and developing a new brand identity for kids' meals across the world. Won creative pitches that secured several key accounts for the agency, including Netflix, Pepsi, Nestlé (Arrowhead Water), Living Spaces, and Quicken Loans. A passion project, Lesbian Emojis, gained widespread media attention and caught the eye of industry leaders—ultimately earning agency backing, evolving into a full-fledged app, and winning a Clio Award.
Clients: Burger King, Burger King Kids, Pepsi, Netflix, Meineke, Living Spaces
DraftFCB
Art Director (2012-2013)
Led the creative strategy and execution for the launch of the Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Taco—one of the most iconic fast-food product rollouts to date. Concepted and executed Taco Bell’s first-ever UGC-powered Instagram ad, seamlessly integrating fan-generated creativity into a paid media format. Developed an award-winning Smokey Bear print and OOH campaign for the Ad Council, bringing a fresh, impactful take to a timeless message.
Clients: Taco Bell, Petco, Ad Council
Dentsu
Art Director (2009-2013)
Created pitch-winning creative for the U.S. launch of Japanese convenience store Famima!!, leading to an award-winning campaign featured in Communication Arts. Conceived while still an intern, the campaign’s success secured a full-time role. Developed pitch-winning creative for Union Bank, securing the agency its AOR status. Played a key role in winning Public Storage as a new agency account. Led creative development across Canon Printers, Red Vines, Sour Punch Straws, Chapman University, and Cup Noodles.
Clients: Union Bank, Toyota, Chapman University, Famima!!, Bandai, Red Vines, Sour Punch, Sutter Home Wines, Microsoft B2B, Canon, Public Storage
Education
USC (2005-2009)
B.S. Marshall School of Business
Major in Business & Minor in Communication Design
Awards
I’ve been fortunate to win a Clio for a personal project (Lesbian Emojis) and help the PepsiCo studio pick up a few awards over the years. I’ve also been recognized by AdWeek and Communication Arts. But awards have never been the focus of my work—or any shop I’ve been part of. Rather than taking a month to cut submission videos for awards we’ve been winning in the way that actually matters: by delivering great ideas that move products off shelves and grow businesses. My awards? What people say about me (conveniently located below).
Glowing Reviews
Katie Roberts - CD Google
“Rarely do you come across people as talented as Kim. She’s the whole package—not only a masterful artist but also an incredible writer. In fact, I’ve learned more from her about big idea thinking, script and headline writing, and presenting my work than from anyone else in my career so far—and she’s an art director by trade.”
Andrew Payton - CD Ex-Amazon
“Kim is insanely prolific and upsettingly fast. In a world of ever-shrinking staff and ever-shortening deadlines, she’s literally the answer. Across ten agencies and fifty clients, I’ve never seen another creative produce as much great work in so little time. The first time I experienced this with her, I was dizzy.”
Nick Phillips - EP Ex-Hecho
“As a producer, I always crossed my fingers that Kim was on the creative team for my projects. When she shows up, she brings the whole package, and if something isn’t working, she’s already thought of countless solutions. She’s a great creative leader, extremely reliable, and adds the perfect touch of humor to everything she does.”
Jenny Bowler - Art Director PepsiCo
“Whether it's comping up a quick meme for TikTok or writing a script for the best TVC creative you've ever seen, Kim is always astoundingly versatile, inspired, and supportive. She's a natural leader, never misses an opportunity to give people their flowers, and she simply gets things done. If there's something Kim isn't amazing at, I don't know what that thing is yet, because she's a world class creative thinker and leader, and I couldn't have asked for a better Group Creative Director during my time at Pepsi.”