Grit & Pearl

We are
strategists,
designers,
thinkers,
makers.

100% of the time, we consult our production colleagues to ensure smooth transitions with zero surprises.

Cultural Narrative

Grit & Pearl was born from a desire to go further, to take brands beyond the obvious, beyond the expected. We know brands inside and out and build them to withstand the test of time.

Bold ideas ignite growth; flawless execution fans the flame.
Rob Roach
MD Grit & Pearl

We thrive in the friction the constant provocation, the challenge to the status quo. We live for ideas that arrive ahead of their time, anchored by the deeply held beliefs and cherished values of brands worth believing in. This is where we play, and where the work comes alive.

It may take a bit of grit to unearth the insights and bring the shine of a bright new day; however, we believe all brands are worthy of dimension and capable of a second act.

Our global creative leadership team has experience in spades but felt something was fading away in the agency landscape and felt it time to reinvigorate.

Team Members

Brains Heart
The force behind the journey

From design beginnings to 15 years driving performance at Trident, Jen blends creative roots with sharp business acumen. As Global Ops Manager, she streamlines processes and inspires teams to deliver with excellence. Known for making order out of chaos.

MOST LIKELY TO: Manage holiday travel with a spreadsheet.

Jen Anderson

Global Operations Manager

From design beginnings to 15 years driving performance at Trident, Jen blends creative roots with sharp business acumen. As Global Ops Manager, she streamlines processes and inspires teams to deliver with excellence. Known for making order out of chaos.

MOST LIKELY TO: Manage holiday travel with a spreadsheet.

With 20 years’ experience and 4 years at Grit & Pearl, Emma ensures clients feel seen, supported, and in safe hands. She oversees relationships, onboarding, and regional client teams, while also mentoring and managing budgets. Emma has a flair for languages, and loves to talk!

MOST LIKELY TO: Know Banksy.

Emma Braithwaite

Client Engagement Manager, Europe

With 20 years’ experience and 4 years at Grit & Pearl, Emma ensures clients feel seen, supported, and in safe hands. She oversees relationships, onboarding, and regional client teams, while also mentoring and managing budgets. Emma has a flair for languages, and loves to talk!

MOST LIKELY TO: Know Banksy.

Antony brings award-winning expertise in FMCG packaging, shopper marketing, brand identity, and visual content. Having led creative at top UK agencies, he’s collaborated with major retailers and household brands. “Fun Fact: Officially once declared Sheffield’s No.1 Star Wars Fan.”

MOST LIKELY TO: Dream in CMYK.

Antony Smith

Creative Director, Europe

Antony brings award-winning expertise in FMCG packaging, shopper marketing, brand identity, and visual content. Having led creative at top UK agencies, he’s collaborated with major retailers and household brands. “Fun Fact: Officially once declared Sheffield’s No.1 Star Wars Fan.”

MOST LIKELY TO: Dream in CMYK.

El partners with global and Fortune 500 brands to deliver meaningful, insight-driven creative at the final mile of purchase. Known for blending strategy with delight, he’s built a reputation for crafting experiences that resonate with shoppers across Asia-Pacific.

MOST LIKELY TO: Not sweat the small stuff.

El Matanguihan

Creative Director, APAC

El partners with global and Fortune 500 brands to deliver meaningful, insight-driven creative at the final mile of purchase. Known for blending strategy with delight, he’s built a reputation for crafting experiences that resonate with shoppers across Asia-Pacific.

MOST LIKELY TO: Not sweat the small stuff.

Rob has a knack for reviving tired brands and turning them into icons. With leadership stints at Deskey, LPK, and KraftHeinz, his work has shaped some of the world’s most recognizable names. Off-duty, he’s usually juggling (literally) or chasing live music around the world.

MOST LIKELY TO: Have an “I break for creative briefs” sticker on his car.

Rob Roach

Managing Director

Rob has a knack for reviving tired brands and turning them into icons. With leadership stints at Deskey, LPK, and KraftHeinz, his work has shaped some of the world’s most recognizable names. Off-duty, he’s usually juggling (literally) or chasing live music around the world.

MOST LIKELY TO: Have an “I break for creative briefs” sticker on his car.

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@GRIT&PEARL