Denis Naylor

Denis has been a creative force in the food advertising industry for more than 35 years. He created the character “Dig ’em the Frog” for Kellogg’s Sugar Smacks cereal in 1972 while at the Leo Burnett agency in Chicago. “Dig ’em” became an instant hit with kids and is still serving the brand after 30 years as one of the best-loved characters in the Kellogg’s stable. After only five years at Leo Burnett, Denis was promoted from a beginning copywriter to Creative Director, supervising and creating campaigns for Heinz Ketchup, Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Nestlé and Kentucky Fried Chicken. In 1976, he joined Noble Communications as Creative Director. His contributions on Gerber Baby Food, Purina cat food and dog food brands, Ralston children’s cereals, Velamints, and KFC helped build NOBLE into an agency known for big ideas and strong, effective advertising. As Executive Creative Director of The Food Channel, Denis provides a rare combination of uninhibited creativity and focused creative leadership. A lifelong food writer, he is also a contributor of opinion pieces, feature articles and book reviews.