Seattle-based independent agency DNA has expanded its strategy department with the hires of Dan Cabacungan as director, strategy and insights, and Rebecca Rubin as brand strategist.
Cabacungan joins DNA from Babcock & Jenkins in Portland, where he served as senior director, strategy and planning for the past year. Before that he spent three years as a senior brand strategist with The Liquid Agency in San Jose, following four years as a senior strategic planner with Hydrogen Advertising. He began his career as a brand strategist with Fallon Brand Consulting in 2003, working with clients such as Vanity Fair Corp., Saks Fifth Avenue, TIME Magazine, the Tiger Woods Foundation and Belvedere Vodka. Two years later he left for an account planner position at McKinney & Silver, where he worked with clients including Sony Electronics, Polaris, LongHorn Steakhouse, Universal Orlando Resort and Virgin Atlantic.
“Defining a unique and compelling position for a marketer has never been more important than it is today, especially considering the growing fragmentation of media and communication channels.” DNA CEO Alan Brown said in a statement. “Since our founding, this has been a sweet spot for DNA and Dan has extensive expertise in helping companies inspire passion in their customers by uncovering their true selves and developing experiences and communications that reinforce the brand at every touchpoint. He is a great addition to the agency.”
Rubin joins the agency from MullenLowe, where she has served as a brand strategist for the past year, focusing on the Royal Caribbean account the agency won in May of 2015. Prior to joining MullenLowe, Rubin spent nearly a year and a half as an associate creative strategist with Digitas LBi. She has also spent time with Live Oak Communications as an account executive and branding/communications director.
“Finding an agency in a different city, let alone coast, can be an overwhelming task – but from the beginning of the process DNA made me feel right at home,” she said. “When I saw how smart and strategic the people were I knew I had to join the team.”