Independent creative agency Alto is expanding into Europe with the launch of a new office in Amsterdam, strengthening its ability to work more closely with global clients while accessing senior creative talent across the continent.
Founded six years ago, Alto was built on a simple idea: large brands don’t need large agencies, but focused teams with strong ideas and the ability to move quickly. From the outset, the agency set out to challenge traditional agency models, operating as a lightweight, flexible studio designed for speed, clarity and close client collaboration.
Alto’s borderless model brings together experienced talent from around the world, enabling teams to form around ideas rather than locations. As the agency’s international client base has grown, however, time-zone differences have become one of the few remaining constraints.
The Amsterdam office marks a strategic response to Alto’s increasingly global client portfolio, enabling more seamless cross-regional collaboration while preserving the agility and creative focus at the core of its approach.
Over the past two years, the agency has worked on large-scale global initiatives for Fortune 10 companies as well as brands including Meta, Google and Apple Studios. Recent highlights include entertainment-led campaign work tied to Apple Studios’ Formula 1 blockbuster, high-visibility brand integration for Expensify, creative development for Meta Quest 3 and its flagship VR titles, and AI-driven innovation projects for Ray-Ban Meta Gen2 and Google Gemini Workspace.
The Amsterdam office will play a central role in delivering creative work for clients such as Meta Ray-Ban and Diageo, while also expanding Alto’s European client base and senior talent pool. The operation will be led by Kirk Johnsen, recently appointed managing partner and managing director, alongside Pierre Janneau-Houllier, Alto’s executive creative director and partner.
Johnsen and Janneau-Houllier bring a longstanding creative partnership dating back to their early careers at W+K. Janneau-Houllier joined Alto as executive creative director and partner in 2023, while Johnsen has held senior leadership roles at agencies including W+K, Le Pub and 72&Sunny. Together, they have led international work for brands such as Adidas, Nike, Electronic Arts, Corona and Apple.
Working closely with Alto’s global partners, the duo will be responsible for shaping the agency’s creative direction in Europe and ensuring the Amsterdam office delivers at a strategic, cultural and creative level.
