The Road to Success in Advertising: Vlad Petre’s Story at Saatchi Creative Hub

Vlad Petre is the Managing Director at Saatchi Creative Hub Bucharest. He has been working in advertising for over 20 years, is deeply passionate about his craft, and considers himself lucky to be surrounded by wonderful people with whom he works every day.

C&B: How would you describe yourself in a single sentence to spark the curiosity of those who don’t know you yet?
Vlad Petre: A curious and lucky person who got to do what he loves, alongside people he feels grateful for every single day.

C&B: If we were to look at the narrative thread of your career or business, what were the key moments that defined you?
Vlad Petre: I’m one of those people who didn’t choose their profession—it chose them. I had no clear idea what I wanted to do, not even at the end of high school or during university. But I was lucky enough to meet the right people at the right time.
One of the first was Mihai Neguț, who trusted me and took me under his wing, even though I was just a student who knew little about life. It was a time when I met extraordinary people who inspired me tremendously.
Later on, another turning point was when I met Costin Radu and chose to join IQads, and then the team that founded The Geeks.
A few years later, Ștefan Iordache and Teddy Dumitrescu entrusted me with leading Saatchi & Saatchi + The Geeks—and that moment completely changed the course of my professional path.

C&B: What has been the most difficult moment in your journey so far, and how did you get through it?
Vlad Petre: There have certainly been many tough moments, but by far the greatest shock was the sudden and unexpected loss of Bogdan Costin—our Creative Director and my dear friend, with whom I built this beautiful story called Saatchi & Saatchi + The Geeks.
I wouldn’t say I’ve gotten over that moment. Rather, I’ve learned to live with Bogdan in my heart. I’ve been even more motivated to make our project shine brighter—just as I know he would have wanted.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?
Vlad Petre: My biggest ambition is to lead a high-performing agency that also has a healthy culture. A culture that values each colleague’s strengths and makes you genuinely want to get up in the morning and come to work.

C&B: What were you like at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you’ve changed over time?
Vlad Petre: At first, I was very insecure, a mix of enthusiasm and fear that I wasn’t good enough. Now, I think I’m more at peace with myself, more attentive to people, and more aware that good questions are more valuable than absolute certainties.

C&B: If we spoke to your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?
Vlad Petre: I hope they’d say it’s a pleasure to work with me and the rest of the team. For me, it’s essential that people genuinely enjoy collaborating, that they like coming to the office, and that they feel good about the projects they’re involved in.

C&B: What’s the most important decision you’ve made that changed your trajectory?
Vlad Petre: Accepting Ștefan and Teddy’s proposal to lead Saatchi. I remember it coincided with the birth of my first son, Luca, and I was convinced I couldn’t handle it. I walked back and forth between Romană and Victoriei three times, trying to figure out how to politely say no. Now, looking back, I’m glad they convinced me not to.

C&B: How did you develop your leadership style or decision-making approach? Was it a natural process or something learned?
Vlad Petre: It was a natural process. I learned a lot from interacting with people, from mistakes, from things that worked—and especially from those that didn’t go as I’d hoped.

C&B: What do you believe sets your business or professional approach apart in the industry?
Vlad Petre: I believe it’s the way we relate to people. We prioritize team culture over ego, and we truly believe that real performance is born out of such a culture.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments bring you the most satisfaction?
Vlad Petre: A typical day involves a lot of variety, with a wide range of situations that need to be addressed. But the best moments are when I see a good idea emerge from an honest conversation, or when I feel I’ve helped someone on the team gain more clarity or confidence.

C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do, and how do you apply them daily?
Vlad Petre: People, above all. Then transparency, empathy, and the courage to speak the truth—even when it’s uncomfortable. Every day, I try to practice these values, not just declare them.

C&B: If you were to share a message with those who look up to you, what would it be?
Vlad Petre: You don’t need to know everything from the start. Be open, work with people who are better than you, and don’t forget—it’s okay to make mistakes, as long as you truly learn something from them.

Vlad Petre is not just a professional in the creative industry, but living proof that the path to fulfillment doesn’t require certainty—only curiosity, authenticity, and the right people by your side.