Justin Kingsley

Vice-president, Special Operations, Bleu Blanc Rouge

Justin specializes in strategy and creativity at Bleublancrouge, one of the 10 best advertising agencies in Canada (Marque Awards 2008). He also leads the youth division of Bleublancrouge, BW. BW’s mandate is to develop innovative non-traditional communications campaigns that reach younger audiences. In the past 18 months BW has worked with: the City of Montreal, Burger King, Ubisoft, Bristol Myers Squibb, Bishop’s University, street gangs, artists, the Blue Dog Motel, Team Canada DJs, Paul107, Pablo Aravena, and many more.

As Vice-President, Special operations at Bleublancrouge, Justin is lead strategist for clients such as the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Organizing committee, the Belinda Stronach Foundation, Bristol Myers Squibb, the University of Montreal, the City of Montreal, Katimavik, the World Wildlife Fund, and many others. He also works as a Creative for various clients. Justin is a regular columnist for the Montreal Gazette as an industry expert discussing new marketing strategies. He also publishes articles in a variety of magazines and blogs.

A former Press Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (2003-04), Justin was responsible for all economic portfolios in Paul Martin’s press office. He was also Chief, Media Relations and Spokesman for Communication Canada and led a crisis team to manage the sponsorship issue. He has worked for the neurosciences division of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research as Director of Communications and Government Relations. Justin started in journalism. His work has appeared in The Globe and Mail, Le Devoir,, The National Post,, La Presse, Sports Illustrated Magazine, Ottawa Magazine, Canadian Geographic, CBC Television, CBC Radio, CAPA Presse télévision (Paris) and numerous others. He has earned nominations for National Newspaper and National Magazine Award, but no wins. He has developed and delivered courses in Canadian and European universities on subjects such as: creativity, crisis communications, leadership and decision-making, as well as public speaking. He has been a guest lecturer at the following institutions: l’École de Business de Toulouse/Université de Toulouse, the University of Ottawa, McGill University, Concordia University, Bishop’s University, as well as various colleges and high schools.

He plays soccer and is seeking the elusive left-footed half-volley. He listens to Coltrane, Monk and all the others. His photography has appeared in magazines and newspapers, as well as select art galleries.