van de wouw is a global creative strategy studio.

A hybrid studio model for global brands, founded by former Wieden+Kennedy CSO.

Based in Tokyo | Working Worldwide

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We are here for

Founders and teams breaking into new markets.
Global brands and agencies wanting speed, cultural fluency, and senior partnership.
Clients seeking more than advice, those who value hands-on collaboration and creative work that resonates and inspires.

Our Practice

01

Brand & Creative Strategy

We build the strategic foundation for your brand's world, defining its core narrative, its place in culture, and the creative platforms that will guide its future.

Brand Architecture & Positioning

Brand Narrative Development

Campaign Platforms

Creative Direction

02

Cultural Strategy & Intelligence

We help brands connect authentically within new or existing markets, leveraging our global perspective and local expertise to ensure your brand's world is built to be welcomed.

Cultural Intelligence & Trend Analysis

Go-to-Market Strategy

Brand Relevance & Turnaround

Cross-Cultural Adaptation

03

Gaming & Fandoms

We partner with the world's leading gaming and entertainment brands to build and serve their universes, from launching new IPs to fostering deeper engagement with lifelong fans. We provide strategy that understands the community from the inside out.

Gaming Audience Strategy

Community Research & Intelligence

Fan Engagement Strategy

Audience Insights & Reports

How We Work

Not an agency. A flexible studio built around you.

Strategic Leadership

Work directly with Thijs, former W+K CSO, with 15+ years of global strategy experience.

Embedded Collaboration

We plug into your team or join forces with your agency to guide, shape and evolve the work, from sprints to long‑term partnerships.

Backed by Experts

We tap into a trusted global network of creatives, cultural researchers, local fixers and production partners when needed.

About Van de Wouw

Van de Wouw is a hybrid strategy studio founded by Thijs van de Wouw, former Chief Strategy Officer at Wieden+Kennedy Tokyo & Seoul.

After 14+ years at top agencies like W+K, Droga5, and AKQA, Thijs launched Van de Wouw to help brands stay culturally relevant, globally resonant, and creatively distinct.

Today, Van de Wouw partners with brands and agencies across gaming, tech, and entertainment, offering strategy and creative direction built on global perspective and local insight.