Drinks design specialist Denomination announces the appointment of Giles Darwin as managing director of the UK office, and Roy Tahtinen as creative director of the San Francisco studio, further strengthening the agency’s strategic and creative design expertise in the international drinks industry.

Darwin will be heading up UK and European operations from Denomination’s central London offices. He comes from a strong strategic drinks and prestige branding background, having worked for the past 15 years at leading UK drinks and brand design consultancies including JDO, Lewis Moberly and Elmwood. While in these posts, he was responsible for leading and growing global clients, working with brands including Bollinger and Johnnie Walker, as well as guiding smaller family businesses.

Denomination CEO, Rowena Curlewis, says, “There’s no arguing with Giles’s pedigree, and he has just the right energy, enthusiasm and depth of experience that we’re after. We’re delighted to have him on board as we enter some of the most exciting times our team and our industry has ever seen.”

Darwin adds, “Denomination has a fantastic reputation and an incredibly talented team, and I love the fact that it’s a drinks specialist. I can’t wait to get started and, using my prestige brand know-how, help move the UK and European arm of Denomination into its next phase of growth.”

Tahtinen will be responsible for leading the design team stateside, and for developing the creative strategy for Denomination’s North American clients. He comes with more than 15 years of experience as a creative director, most recently at integrated marketing agency Sidecar, a division of Swirl McGarryBowen.

During his career, Tahtinen has worked across brands including Skyy Vodka, Coca-Cola, Crystal Geyser Water Company, Trumer Pils, Napa wine marketers Old Bridge Cellars, Jamba Juice, Peet’s Coffee and a plethora of microbreweries.

Curlewis, says, “Roy has designed many drinks brands, including craft beers Captain Jack Jack and Pink Rabbit, and is a great illustrator, typographer and team leader. We can’t wait to add his skills to the Denomination melting pot.” 

Tahtinen adds: “I’m excited to join Denomination because, when I looked at the agency’s work, it was clear that there’s no formula, no ‘house style’, no limits. At Denomination, you can take brands on a journey. I’m keen to grow the San Francisco branch and support the team in coming up with one-of-a-kind solutions for a wide variety of clients. Most importantly, I want to help brands sell. I’d rather we were purchased by consumers than applauded by other designers.”