Tony Lyons

President & Chief Strategy Officer

strategy

Tony is the Owner, President, and Chief Creative Officer of Alphabet® and has more than 30 years of experience in the marketing and advertising industry. His career began in Ireland, where he held senior designer positions at several of Ireland’s premier design and advertising studios including Young & Rubicam. He moved to Ottawa in 1995, taking the role of Associate Creative Director at one of Ottawa’s largest full-service advertising firms where he was assigned high-profile creative work for regional and national clients.

He started Alphabet® in 2000 and has since grown the company to include 27 full-time staff across three departments: strategy and account planning, digital and web development, and creative services.

Tony’s keen observations about customer experience and the importance of creating a brand platform to engage both internal and external channels have impacted client businesses exponentially. 

Under Tony’s leadership, Alphabet® has been the lead agency for major brand re-development projects, creative strategies, and content marketing programs for clients across a variety of sectors including associations, tourism, and healthcare: the Royal, the Ottawa Hospital Foundation, the Canadian Internet Registration Authority, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, the Canadian Construction Association, the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries, Minto Communities Ottawa, Kingston Tourism, Destination Nunavut, Parque das Aves Brazil, Iguazu Falls Tourism, the Pacific Asia Tourism Association, Export Development Canada, the Canadian Real Estate Association, Newcap Radio, Pfizer Canada, and more. 

Tony has presented at the Professional Development Institute, University of Ottawa, and the Government of Canada PSPC (Public Services and Procurement Canada) communications department and several third sector industry conferences.

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Highlights

  • Winner of major Canadian and International marketing awards
  • Member of TEC Canada
  • Working with mental health organizations in brand development and fundraising
  • Board member of Pacific Asia Tourism Association Foundation
  • Working with smart people everyday to bring ideas to life!

Highlights

From the team

web design

The Ultimate Website Accessibility Checklist

by Alphabet®

Twenty years ago, digital spaces were far from the centre of business and commerce. But now, your company’s landing page is often the first touch point...

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campaigns industry

How to Write Taglines That Don’t Suck

by Chris Campeau

While there’s no formula for writing a winning tagline, here’s some advice to steer clear of a dud. Learn more on the Alphabet®...

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culture

Media Planning 101: Goals, Channels, KPIs, and More

by Alphabet®

Your step-by-step guide to the media planning process. From media types and KPIs to implementation and optimization. A strategic media plan is how you generate...

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industry

Place Marketing 101: A DMO’s Field Guide to Niching

by Cathy Kirkpatrick

There’s a saying in marketing: “The riches are in the niches.”  It suggests there’s more worth in marketing a specific product or service to a...

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culture

Understanding Emotional Decision-Making and Its Role in Brand Strategy

by Alphabet®

Our emotions guide almost every decision we make. To stand out in today’s market, you need to create a brand strategy that appeals to your audience’s inner...

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social media

Assessing New Social Media Platforms: Is It Always Worth the Leap?

by Meagan Kelly

Is the newest social media platform right for your brand? Here’s what to consider before diving in. | Alphabet®...

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industry

The Creative Process: A Love Affair Between Copy and Design

by Cory Davis

How content and design teams collaborate to increase efficiency and elevate the quality of their work | Alphabet®...

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industry

The Art of the Marketing Shift

by Chris Campeau

How can your organization stay nimble in the face of change? Get four tips on how to successfully pivot on the Alphabet®...

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industry

Brand Perception: Generating Brand Trust & Credibility

by Alphabet®

Need to boost brand perception? In this guide, we outline tips for generating brand trust and credibility to set you up for...

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