Many companies that develop digital services – including Google, Uber and Mercedes-Benz – are currently setting up operations in Lisbon. The Portuguese capital has become a European magnet for creativity, with well-trained talent, a pulsating design scene and start-up-friendly business conditions. All this makes it an attractive environment for agencies, too. That's why Peter Schmidt Group, Germany's top-selling brand and design agency, has decided to open a new office there as well.

“We continue to grow. As a leading design agency in Europe, we are committed to opening up new potential our clients and employees by offering them exciting creative perspectives,” explained managing partner Lukas Cottrell. “Lisbon is one of the most innovative cities on the continent. Above all, a strong team in Portugal will also augment our digital expertise.” He added the agency also has clear advantages to offer talent compared to local companies. “As an internationally oriented agency, we make it possible for local talent from Lisbon to work for brands with global appeal. That’s an offer local players cannot match.”

Of course, Portuguese companies also have exciting perspectives to offer. Lukas Cottrell continued, “Many local brands want to expand into other European countries. At the same time, however, there is a lack of design agencies with proven expertise in international brand management. We can fill that gap.” Peter Schmidt Group has already made inroads by winning the Portuguese market leader Delta Café as a client, and will support the company in the area of consumer branding as well as advising it on its strategic repositioning effort.

The Lisbon office will be headed by chief creative officer Pedro Vilar, who is moving back to his home country after two years at Peter Schmidt Group in Hamburg. He leads of team of four that is expected to grow in the coming months.

Before joining Peter Schmidt Group, Pedro Vilar served as creative director in agencies in Amsterdam and Barcelona. He also has ten years of experience with various design agencies in Portugal. Managing director Ruediger Goetz said, “Pedro ran a successful studio in Hamburg and realized international projects with high design quality. At the same time, he is very well connected in the design scene in Portugal, which makes him exactly the right person to set up our new branch office.”