Trade publications have written that Zulu Alpha Kilo stands out as a ‘maverick global indie agency’ within the fiercely competitive advertising industry dominated by global holding companies. Launched in 2008 by our creative leader and founder Zak Mroueh, we’re proud that our shop has built a reputation as an industry outlier and one of the most respected independent agencies in the world.

Over the past fifteen years, we have consistently produced ground-breaking, category-defining work for our clients. How can we help do the same for your brand? Well, it all starts with how we define the business we’re in. We don’t believe we are in the digital, design or advertising business. We’re in the bravery business.

Creative bravery is what drives our decision making and it’s why our agency was founded on the belief that the world needs more creativity. Because there is just so much ineffective, badly crafted work in the world that never gets noticed, has zero impact and is a waste of a client’s budget. Our sole purpose as a company is to change that.

When you, as a client, truly embrace creativity as a competitive advantage, you will see it transform your world and your business. We’ve witnessed this numerous times before with our own clients. As a purpose-driven company, we also use our creativity to do good in the world by supporting causes we truly believe in.

In 2016, Ad Age named us small agency of the year and 2017’s International Small Agency of the Year. We were also one of Forbes Best Small Companies in 2018, The Drum’s Agency of the Year 2021 and Campaign US 2021 Independent Agency of the Year. In 2022, we were listed among the top ten independent agencies in the world in Cannes, One Show and D&AD based on a body of effective, breakthrough work. With 150 staff in Toronto, New York and Vancouver, ZAK (or Zulu Alpha Kilo in the NATO phonetic alphabet) is a magnet for top global talent.

Since 2008 we have delivered impressive results for brands like Subaru, Corona, Harley-Davidson, Booking.com, Goldfish, Coca-Cola, Whirlpool and Tim Hortons to name a few.

Want to change your world as a marketer? Let’s take a brave leap together. 

Since our inception in 2008, Zulu’s success has been underpinned by an operating philosophy and a set of strong agency values that guide every decision we make. How are we different? One of our secret ingredients is not chasing growth for growth’s sake. We only align ourselves with clients where the chemistry and fit are strong. This is ultimately what leads to world-class work and true partnership.

Our operating philosophy can be summarized in these four beliefs:

BRAVERY
Fortune favors the bold. Our creative and business success is anchored by challenging the status quo and established norms in pursuit of excellence. We embrace change and inspire our clients to move beyond their comfort zone.

GROWTH IS NOT THE END GAME
One of our secret ingredients is not chasing growth for growth’s sake. We’ve seen too many great agencies grow the wrong way, take their eye off the ball and lose what made them great in the first place. Zulu is driven to be great, not big.

HONESTY & STRAIGHTFORWARDNESS
A truly collaborative team is honest and straightforward with one another. We’re wired to be direct, so you always know where we stand. If we screw up, we raise our hand and tell you so. That builds trust with both staff and clients, and trust is the foundation for creating amazing work.

NO DEPARTMENTS
We don’t divide ourselves into departments. Instead, everyone at Zulu is part of a single company-wide creative group. Whether someone does finance, production, accounts, or strategy, at the end of the day our common goal is to be part of groundbreaking creative work.