We’re finishing out the week with the biggest recent hires, promotions and transitions at agencies around the world.
62Above
Kaitlyn Palocsko was hired as senior public relations manager at 62Above. Palocsko will oversee agency accounts including Love Catalina Island, OOLY and San Diego Museum of Art.
Alkemy X
Jep Hill was promoted from VFX creative director and head of imaging to executive creative director, VFX at Alkemy X. Hill has over 25 years of experience in visual effects and will now oversee the holistic creative and logistics of the VFX department.
Astound Commerce
Deborah Hankin was appointed as chief people officer at Astound Commerce. Hankin brings over 17 years of experience with companies including Connatix, Mediabrands and Real Chemistry.
Brandon
Digital agency Brandon is growing its content production team with two new hires. Alex Childress joined as editor and animator and David Thompson joined as content specialist.
Brunet|García
Brunet|García is restructuring its leadership team to advance growth objectives and implement the agency’s strategic plan. Cofounders Jorge Brunet-García and Diane Brunet-García are transitioning to board co-chairs, Kimberley Collins is now CEO, Kim Vermillion is now COO and Eduardo Sarmiento is chief creative officer. The rest of the new leadership team includes Aerien Mull as senior vice president, creative, Kate Jolley as vice president, creative operations, Anna Jaffee as vice president, accounts, LeShaundra Cordier as vice president, communication strategy and Iwalani Camacho as senior vice president, media.
Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners
Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners hired Jimmie Blount as its new creative director. Blount will lead creative on client Blue Shield of California as well as the agency’s portfolio of Sovos Brands, including Rao’s Homemade and Noosa Yoghurt.
Constellation
Melissa Gunn is joining Constellation as its new senior vice president and head of pharma. Gunn brings experience from previous roles as head of global oncology at Pfizer and senior vice president of customer success at ConcertAI.
Cornett
Jason Majewski was named as group creative director at Cornett. Majewski will lead creative work for clients including LegoLand Resorts North America, Busch Light and University of Kentucky Healthcare.
DCI
Development Counsellors International promoted Kayla Leska to vice president of public relations within its tourism practice. Leska will lead a team of 20 communications professionals in the United States and Canada to implement destination public relations campaigns and formalize the organization’s PR efforts to meet the needs of hotels, tour operators and cultural attractions.
Dezenhall Resources
Dezenhall Resources made four new hires and multiple senior level staff promotions to support its expansion. Hires include Patrick Burgwinkle as vice president, Annie Moore as senior director of digital, Mark Emerson as director and Kaci Donegan as associate. Promotions include Eric Dezenhall to chairman, Steven Schlein to CEO, Fred Brown to senior vice president and Mike Bova to senior vice president.
Doe-Anderson
Keisha Jordan was appointed creative director at Doe-Anderson. Jordan brings experience from previous creative leadership roles at companies like Ten35, Barkley, Integer, Edelman, FCB and Leo Burnett.
Elmwood New York
Paul Collins was named executive director of strategy and innovation at Elmwood New York. Collins will work to reimagine how brand and design can enable meaningful and disruptive growth for clients.
Future Platforms
Independent digital design and build consultancy Future Platforms promoted Greet Jans and Remy Brooks to roles as joint managing directors. The two will work together to evolve the consultancy’s output from traditional development work to a focus on design and product focus.
Mondo Robot
Digital product agency Mondo Robot named Rocco Sangellino as its director of engineering. Sangellino will lead the engineering team, oversee all efforts and support lead and principal engineers on large projects.
Native Content and Wild Gift Content
Sam Swisher is joining Native Content and Wild Gift Content as partner and head of sales. Swisher will work to develop and executive on sales strategies to broaden the reach of both brands.
Octagon
Nany Atufunwa was named senior vice president, client services, for Octagon. Atufunwa will manage existing and future Olympic and Paralympic-focused partnerships for clients, while also overseeing the team responsible for the creation, development and execution of marketing strategies, initiatives and campaign programs to connect brands to the Olympic and Paralympic movement.
Proof
Proof appointed Jeff Prince as its first chief growth officer. Prince will lead the agency’s new business pursuits and awareness efforts, as well as work with clients on new growth initiatives for their brands.
Samy Alliance
Indie agency ecosystem Samy Alliance appointed Diego Fernandez as U.S. managing director. Santiago Mas was also appointed as the new managing director of Nobox.
Sparks & Honey
Sparks & Honey welcomed two new leaders to its advisory board to offer expertise in purpose-driven business, gender justice and equity in marketing and advertising. The new advisors are president of Synastry Capital Janna Meyrowitz Turner and c-suite coach and author Lola Bakare.
Spears & Arrows
Commercial production company Spears & Arrows signed director Sasha Levinson to its roster. Levinson is known for her work on films like Sylvie of the Sunshine State, as well as music videos with artists like Mary J Blige, 50 Cent, Angelique Kidjo and Cake.
Stein IAS
Stein IAS made three new U.K.-based appointments. Philip Slade joined as head of strategy, EMEA, Simon Broadbent as head of art and Cristy Gibbons as content strategist.
TBWA\Chiat\Day New York
TBWA\Chiat\Day New York made two new senior hires to bolster its creative leadership team. Gabriel Cheung was hired as global executive creative director and Amanda Davis was hired as head of content.
The Bloc
Greg Ylagan was hired as creative director of art at The Bloc. Ylagan will oversee a hybrid team of art directors based in New York.
Vault49
Vault49 is finishing off the year with two new promotions on its global leadership team. Leigh Chandler was promoted to executive creative director and Spencer Ryan was promoted to partner.
Wolfgang
Wolfgang made two new senior appointments as part of an ongoing series of agency moves. Adam Stockton and Mike Van Linda were both promoted to executive creative directors. Emma Zakes Green and Sally Lee were named ACDs.
Zulu Alpha Kilo
Meghan Mullen joined Zulu Alpha Kilo as its first managing director at its New York office. Mullen brings experience from previous leadership roles at Goodby Silverstein & Partners and Wieden+Kennedy New York.