Dave Kissel Takes Helm as CEO of Good Giant and Two by Four Agency Group
In an exciting development within the advertising sector, Dave Kissel has been named the Chief Executive Officer of Good Giant and Two by Four, two private equity-supported agencies, enhancing their leadership team under a new structure backed by Merit Capital Partners and Six Pillars Partners. Kissel, who previously served as the Managing Director of DDB Chicago, brings over a decade of experience and strategic insight to his new position.
This pivotal appointment signifies Good Giant and Two by Four's commitment to evolving within the competitive advertising landscape, particularly as independent agencies are increasingly proving their superiority over larger conglomerates. In his new role, Kissel will join forces with existing CEOs Rich Sullivan from Good Giant and David Stevenson from Two by Four to drive innovation and creativeness that aligns with the agencies' unique strengths.
Expressing enthusiasm for this new chapter, Kissel stated, 'I am thrilled to join Good Giant and Two by Four. Their reputation for creativity and stellar teams is a huge attraction for me. I aim to apply my varied experience across agencies, media, and startup environments to amplify the exceptional work already in progress. Our goal is to effectively combine creativity, data, and digital innovation for measurable results.'
Kissel's background is robust, having led DDB Chicago's strategic yet creative initiatives that have garnered new business victories both with existing and prospective clients over the past year. His tenure has included spearheading global marketing efforts for major clients like McDonald's, thus advancing the agency's creative narrative while enhancing CRM initiatives. Kissel’s rich history traverses various roles within leading agencies and within startup cultures, positioning him as a catalyst for growth.
Good Giant is celebrated for its strengths in gaming and hospitality, while Two by Four excels in human-centered storytelling and impactful creativity. Their unique capabilities will be further supported by Kissel's strategies which include leveraging technology investments, nurturing talent, and pursuing strategic acquisitions.
Particularly in times where independent agencies are on the rise, Kissel’s leadership can propel Good Giant and Two by Four against formidable competitors like Omnicom and WPP. His vision aims to blend operational scaling with preserving each agency's distinctive culture and creativity, ensuring they remain robust players in a market that values agility and specialization.
Ben Yarbrough, Managing Director at Merit Capital Partners, emphasized Kissel's suitability for this role, noting his exceptional leadership capabilities across various industries: 'His strategic vision and experience in building high-performing teams will enhance our collective leadership and foster transformative growth going forward.'
With the advertising industry at a crucial juncture, Kissel's leadership is expected to open doors to fresh growth opportunities for Good Giant and Two by Four, thereby redefining the landscape for independent agency holdings. As these agencies align to harness their combined strengths, they aim to innovate and excel in crafting bold campaigns that deliver lasting impacts for their clients.
In summary, Dave Kissel's appointment as the combined CEO of Good Giant and Two by Four marks a significant strategic initiative aimed at reinforcing the foundation for future innovations within independent agency structures, at a time when flexibility and creativity have become pivotal for success in the advertising domain.