It’s officially Friday and we’re back to celebrate the industry’s wins with new hires and promotions at agencies around the world.
AIGA
Professional association for design, AIGA, welcomed Manuhuia Barcham as the chair of its national board of directors. Barcham was chosen for his ability to connect people and ideas, as well as utilize design to create impact and drive sustainability.
Arts & Letters Creative Co.
Arts & Letters Creative Co. expanded its senior leadership team with four new hires. Derek Barnes joins as creative director, Zoë Bell as creative director, Christie Allport as director of communication and Theo Abel as director of operations.
Bounteous
Bounteous signed on Michael McLaren as its new president in North America. With more than 20 years of experience in operations and growth, McLaren will oversee the delivery of solutions for the agency’s blue chip client roster, including brands like Caesars Entertainment, Coca-Cola and Domino’s.
Campbell Ewald
Al Benoit joined Campbell Ewald as its new media managing director. Along with his hire, the agency welcomed multiple new leaders, including Meryl Swagner in strategy, Jamil Buie to oversee new business, Josh Huling to expand the CX practice, Chelsea Smith to lead The Exchange and Kris Geiger in operations.
Curious Plot
Curious Plot launched a new account team leadership and structure, with seven account leadership promotions and new roles. Jim Zumwalt is now the agency chief operating officer, Alison Rauchwarter is senior vice president, Cristie Mather is vice president, Sören Erickson and Wayne Carlson are both vice president, managing supervisor—and Nicola Freeman and Stephanie Loch are both vice president, group account director.
Exverus Media
Exverus Media hired Safit Ullah as its new vice president of performance media. Coming from his previous role as senior director of marketing at Pharmapacks, Ullah has worked with brands including Johnson & Johnson, Revlon and Bayer.
FCB
Shannon McFarland joined FCB Chicago as its chief talent officer. In this role, McFarland will work to attract top talent, foster an inclusive working environment and build talent programs to expand upon the company’s strategic vision.
Fortnight Collective
Becca Schepps joined full-service independent brand marketing accelerator Fortnight Collective as its creative director. In this role, Schepps will work with clients like Steamboat Ski Resort, Do Good Chicken and Expedia Group.
Gale
Creative media consultancy Gale welcomed industry veteran Ben James as its new chief innovation officer. In this role, James will work to establish the brand as an innovator in the content and media space.
GSD&M
GSD&M brought on Wade Alger as its new group creative director. With over 22 years of industry experience, Alger previously held leadership roles at Leo Burnett and The Martin Agency.
Grin
Creator management platform Grin brought on Ryan Donovan as the chief product and technology officer. Experienced in the industry, Donovan previously held the same role at Hootsuite.
Helo
Director and TikTok creator Maris Jones signed on to Helo’s roster of global talent for commercial representation. Jones has worked on campaigns for countless high-level brands including Hulu, Netflix, Gucci and Valentino.
Horizon Media
Horizon Media brought on Troy Scarlott as its new senior vice president, managing director, creative and innovation collective. An industry veteran with over 20 years of experience, Scarlott will drive the integration of creative media, innovation, technology and experiential marketing at Horizon Media.
Ketchum
Jim Joseph joined communications consultancy Ketchum as its first global chief marketing and integration officer. In this new role, Joseph will collaborate with global teams, as well as lead client and agency brands to define the Ketchum brand internally and externally.
Little Minx
Little Minx brought on two new hires to bolster its offerings for branded entertainment, fashion films and music-driven projects. Directors Kantemir Balagov and Kira Kovalenko both joined the team, both known for being outspoken against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Logan Industry
Full-service production company Logan Industry signed director Rebecca Baelher for commercial representation. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, Baehler has worked with brands like Apple and Samsung.
Material
Material expanded its team with the hiring of two crucial leadership roles. Laurie MacLaren joined as chief operating officer and Rajdeep Endow joined as chief transformation officer, both positioned to support the agency’s growth and evolution.
Nobox
Social-first creative agency Nobox and partner Samy Alliance named Hernán Cerdeiro as chief creative officer of the Americas. The founder of Any Given Day, a Miami-based creative agency, Cerdeiro will integrate his agency into his new company.
TBWA\Media Arts Lab Miami
Luana Azeredo joined TBWA\Media Arts Lab Miami, global creative agency for Apple as its new managing director. In this role, Azeredo will oversee the regional hub for Latin America in partnerships with executive creative director Pedro Prado.