Minneapolis agency Colle McVoy has united its media and data science divisions and promoted two leaders to head up the media and data science practice. Steve Knapp, formerly executive director of media, has been promoted to the new role of managing director, media and data science, while Kim Dunn—formerly group media director—has been elevated to senior vice president, media and data science.
Knapp and Dunn have worked to integrate the media and data science specialties at the Stagwell agency, helping to bring data-led, creative media solutions to clients.
Knapp, who joined Colle McVoy in 2016, has led media intelligence, strategy and investment initiatives across paid, owned and earned channels. He now oversees a team with expanded expertise across performance marketing and predictive outcomes.
“We believe that everything is media and an opportunity for a brand to create connection,” Knapp told Adweek. “While our media and data science teams have always worked together, this unification sends a clear message to clients, prospects, consultants and even our internal teams: media and data science are an inseparable combination to deliver creative and effective work.”
Since joining the agency in 2019, Dunn has led media efforts on key client accounts including 3M, Land O’Lakes, Medtronic, Deluxe and Zoetis. She will now oversee media strategy for all clients while playing a lead role in activating and evolving the agency’s media and data science practice.
In a statement, Jessica Henrichs, president, Colle McVoy, said: “(Knapp and Dunn) will continue to accelerate growth for us and our clients by providing a forward-facing, predictive view of how we can leverage data to build even stronger ideas, campaigns and solutions.”
Knapp added that in nearly every new business pitch over the last two years, brands and consultants have wanted to know about the agency’s philosophy, approach and capabilities in media and data science, regardless if media planning and buying are part of the opportunity.
“Our new practice will help us provide value to all clients whether the work is creative-only, media-only or integrated. It’s a competitive advantage that everyone wants but that we can uniquely deliver as one holistic team,” Knapp stated.
Colle McVoy named Henrichs as its new president, and added a group creative director and executive director earlier this year. The agency has also landed more than a dozen new clients over the last 18 months, including U.S. Bank and Credit Sesame.