Stagwell agency Crispin has appointed Steve Denekas chief creative officer, who will report to Maggie Malek, who has been elevated to CEO after stepping into the role as the regional president a year ago.
“We set out on a journey last April to transform Crispin from just another creative agency to a place clients and people come to for something greater. I am intentionally building a team and culture that supports that vision,” Malek said in a statement. “Steve is the real deal and cares deeply about the people, the culture, and the work. He is already bringing magic to our creative product and growing client roster.”
Denekas comes to Crispin from Basic/Dept and Dept, where he was chief creative officer and global senior vice president. Denekas entered advertising at BBDO, where he learned how advertising and design worked best and how kindness brings out the best in creative teams. He was later at Wieden+Kennedy, Stagwell and Instrument. Denekas has worked with brands including Levi’s, Nike and Dodge.
Malek joined Crispin in 2023. Prior to that, she was CEO of Houston-based MMI Agency. Under her leadership, the integrated creative agency saw rapid growth, along with client and staff retention. She is also a U.S. Army veteran.
“The first brief from Maggie was to define the next 20 years of advertising. Crispin redefined great advertising for the last 20 years, and we are going to invent for the next 20,” Denekas said in a statement. “This moment is about honoring legacy and throwing away the bullshit.”
These appointments come as the agency has strengthened its portfolio adding six new client partners in 2024, including Fannie Mae, Samsung and Georgia Pacific. In addition, 15% of existing clients have expanded their remits to include multiple capabilities across creator and influencer, media, branded entertainment and more. This includes expanded remits with Nature’s Sunshine in creative, Galen College of Nursing for media, and P&G with new work in content and creator.