Grit & Pearl has launched as a new global creative agency founded by Trident’s Creative Leadership team. The agency combines the speed and adaptability of a startup with deep-rooted global creative expertise built through decades of award-winning work.
As an independent operation, Grit & Pearl is structured to work seamlessly with both emerging businesses and some of the world’s most influential brands. The agency is led by Rob Roach, whose background includes senior creative leadership roles at The Kraft Heinz Company and LPK, bringing a blend of corporate insight and creative ambition to the venture.
“Brand Managers need creative partners who push beyond the expected without completely losing sight of what the brand stands for. They need a team brave enough to go far but seasoned enough to lead the way.”
The agency’s client portfolio includes major global players such as SC Johnson, Procter & Gamble, and Unilever, alongside iconic consumer brands including Dove Men+Care, Grant’s, Popsicle, Glade, and Gain.
According to Rob, the launch of Grit & Pearl builds upon the foundation established at Trident, while creating space for a new approach better suited to today’s creative and commercial environment.
Grit & Pearl’s Creative Leadership team has been building and shaping the world’s most iconic brands for their entire careers. The creative leadership team is comprised of:
- Chantelle Gatton, a consumer-packaged goods expert with experience building wellness and personal care brands, will oversee creative pursuits as Creative Director of the Americas.
- El Matanguihan, an industry influencer with successful tenures at Nice and Marks, will lead creative efforts as Creative Director of APAC.
- Antony Smith, an Equator alum with a passion for visual storytelling, will guide the European creative team as Creative Director, Europe.
With offices located across Europe, Asia, and North America, Grit & Pearl partners with both multinational corporations and regional startups. While the agency’s goal remains the delivery of impactful creative, its structure allows it to operate without the inefficiencies often associated with large global networks.
The agency’s model focuses on streamlining support functions through technology, allowing creative talent to remain the primary investment.
“Many global agencies are mired in layers of unnecessary and costly support. We utilise technology in spaces where excessive administrative support is necessary so that our greatest investment matches that of our clients, the creative. Technology absolutely plays a role in creative development today; however, that visceral and passionate response to the expression of a brand. That takes soul. And this team has it in spades.”
Grit & Pearl delivers strategic brand and design solutions, supported by a state-of-the-art prototyping and sampling facility. The agency provides both digital and physical creative services, enabling brands to move from idea to market-ready execution within a single creative ecosystem.
