Lexington, Kentucky-based agency Cornett promoted Christy Hiler to the role of president.
Founder, CEO and namesake Kip Cornett made the announcement today.
“She’s been at the forefront of our dramatic growth internally and externally for the past five years,” Cornett said in a statement. “Her shaping and grasp of our culture along with a passion for our client’s success is what makes her the perfect fit for driving Cornett today and in the future.”
Hiler most recently served as chief strategy officer, but her time at the agency dates back to a high school internship. After graduating with a BS in marketing from the University of Oregon, she returned to the agency and worked her way up to CSO.
A 2014 Digiday profile of her husband and Cornett guy Whit Hiler, aka “the most talented creative in America?” told the story: he was unemployed, came up with a crowdsourced “people in cages” idea for client Harley Davidson and got hired.
“I’m very fortunate to have someone I can work closely with, but still has her own ideas on how to improve the firm and what we provide our clients,” said Cornett. “Christy has an incredible business mind.”
“Kip and I have always worked closely and have the same values in regards to our clients and our people,” added Hiler. “I very much look forward to this new role and continuing the amazing story of Cornett.”
The appointment follows a record year for the agency, which expanded to a 65-person staff in Lexington.
“We are very proud of how we have grown for our clients to give them the creative support they need to be successful,” Hiler continued. “The people we added are a direct reflection of our client’s needs and the ever-changing marketing world.”
[Pic via Cornett]