Barbara Bijlard has joined ACE Create, the creative unit of ACE, as its new Managing Director. She brings a wealth of experience from her previous role at DDB Amsterdam and will work alongside Rogier de Bruin (Executive Creative Director) and Harm Balvers (Head of Strategy) on the management team of ACE Create.
Rogier IJzermans, founder of ACE, commented on Bijlard’s appointment: "We’ve been searching for a leader to guide ACE Create into its next phase. We wanted someone with industry experience and a fresh, modern perspective on the business. We’re excited to welcome Barbara to the team."
Integrated Agency Model
ACE’s integrated approach is evident in its campaigns for major clients like ABN Amro and YoungCapital. The agency has transitioned from a collection of separate entities into a consolidated operation, structured around three main pillars: Create (creativity), Accelerate (PR, social, influencers, media performance, and growth), and Innovate (business).
Reflecting on the Next Step
Bijlard (42) is a seasoned figure in the Dutch agency world. Her new appointment follows her departure from DDB Amsterdam last September, during which she took time off to consider her next career move. After a few months, she has joined ACE, an agency she describes as one that truly understands the zeitgeist and translates that understanding into impactful campaigns and solutions for top-tier brands.
With 13 years of experience at Kingsday—later rebranded as 180 Amsterdam and subsequently DDB Amsterdam—Bijlard now joins an agency poised for its next chapter of growth and innovation.
