Brand Do!

Vorsprung as a Way of Life

When you ask Jörg Dietzel to describe his brand journey in one word, he doesn’t hesitate: Vorsprung. The German word for “advancement” or “advantage” has been his North Star ever since 1995, when he set up a global agency network for Audi out of BBH London. Clean, understated, quietly confident — Vorsprung durch Technik wasn’t just Audi’s tagline. It became Jörg’s way of life.

Building Brands, Building Cultures

Across Germany, South Africa, Korea, and Singapore, Jörg didn’t just build brands. He built cultures. But if there was one place that truly tested his instincts, it was Korea. In Korea, branding isn’t just a business tool, it’s baked into the DNA of the culture itself. From Western imports to local superbrands to the global “Korea brand,” everything had to be intentional, polished, and detail-obsessed. Working with his Seoul team – the best he’s ever had, he says, taught him one of the hardest and most rewarding lessons: how to lead by encouraging others to challenge you, even when the culture says otherwise. And somewhere between the hierarchy and the hustle, Jörg fell even deeper in love with what branding could be: human, not just functional.

No Regrets, Only Gut Feel

Of course, a career built on big bets and bold moves isn’t without its moments of what if. What if he stayed in Beijing after running DDB? What if he hadn’t left Hong Kong to teach? What if he stuck around longer at Audi HQ instead of jumping back into the unknown? But regrets? Not really his thing. “You’ve got to follow your gut and do what feels right — for your brand, and for yourself,” he says. And Jörg’s gut has a pretty solid track record.

The Jörg Dietzel Brand, Today

Today, without a single logo tied to his name, his personal brand has taken center stage — and it’s not built on smoke and mirrors. It’s built on character, experience, and a knack for making things better. Better brands, better businesses, better people. That’s why you’ll find him mentoring startups, teaching the next generation of marketers, and quietly shaping futures. All while keeping that mischievous Dietzel sparkle alive.

When Jörg talks branding, the room listens. And usually takes notes.

A Return to Creativity

As for what’s next? While the industry gets busy obsessing over algorithms and AI-generated campaigns, Jörg’s focus is firmly back on creativity. Stories, ideas, and the kind of brand magic you can’t fake with a prompt. He’s thinking more Europe than Asia these days — but honestly, wherever creativity is needed, you can bet he’ll find a way to show up.

And a Fun Fact Before We Go…

The surname Dietzel comes from Theudizo, an Old High German word meaning “people.” Pretty fitting for someone who’s spent his whole career bringing people — and brands — closer together.