#USA #Los Angeles #Walton Isaacson #Christine Villanueva #Tony Santabarbara

Walton Isaacson Strengthens Leadership Team

Walton Isaacson, known for its dynamic and inclusive marketing strategies, has announced exciting changes within its leadership structure. The agency is thrilled to welcome back Christine Villanueva, Ph.D., who returns as Executive Vice President of Brand, Strategy, and Growth. Alongside her, Tony Santabarbara steps in as Chief Financial Officer, marking a new chapter in the agency's evolution.

Christine Villanueva's Return

Dr. Christine Villanueva is not new to Walton Isaacson; she previously played a crucial role as the Chief Strategy and Brand Officer from 2016 to 2021. Her extensive experience at leading firms such as Universal McCann, where she oversaw strategic operations, and as the founder of Foxtail Strategy LLC, positions her perfectly to lead the agency’s brand and growth strategy. Villanueva’s robust understanding of the agency's core values and heritage will be instrumental as she aims to enhance Walton Isaacson’s client portfolio by attracting blue-chip clients.

A Vision Forward

In her new role, Villanueva intends to spearhead initiatives that not only focus on immediate results but also promise long-term growth for the agency’s clientele. With a career spanning years of dedication to brand strategy and development, her return signifies Walton Isaacson's commitment to innovative and transformative marketing solutions.

Tony Santabarbara – Financial Leadership

Tony Santabarbara joins Walton Isaacson as the new CFO, bringing extensive financial expertise, including significant roles at WPP's GroupM, where he served as Global CFO. His tenure there and at Fox positions him well to drive the financial operations of the agency. Santabarbara takes over from Bill Braunstein, who has been the CFO since 2012 and will transition to an advisory role, ensuring a smooth handover and continuity in financial management.

Experience Matters

Having spent years in high-profile financial leadership roles, Santabarbara is expected to implement strategies that will foster financial stability and growth, aligning with Walton Isaacson's ambitious goals for the future. His background in media finance will be valuable as the agency navigates the complexities of marketing investments.

Celebrating Team Growth

In addition to these pivotal leadership appointments, Walton Isaacson has recognized the talent within its ranks by promoting 16 employees across various departments. This internal advancement not only showcases the agency's ethos of recognizing and nurturing talent but also affirms its commitment to creating a vibrant workplace environment where employees can thrive.

Key Promotions

Among those promoted are Rosemarie Sanchez, who moves from VP of Media to SVP of Media; Amanda Lewensky elevates from Group Account Director to VP; and Diori Thomas and Kevin Simcox both advance to VP Creative Directors. These promotions reflect Walton Isaacson's strategy of cultivating a culture of growth and development while ensuring that the agency continues to meet the demands of an ever-evolving marketplace.

A Bright Future Ahead

With Dr. Villanueva and Mr. Santabarbara taking on critical roles, combined with the internal promotions recognized within, Walton Isaacson is poised for a future brimming with potential. CEO Aaron Walton expressed enthusiasm about these changes, stating, "Christine's strategic leadership and Tony's financial expertise will help us deliver transformational results for our clients." The commitment to professional development is echoed throughout the agency, underlining its goal of fostering creativity and passion in all its endeavors.

Walton Isaacson operates from Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, and has built a reputation on the principle of connecting brands with audiences through innovative approaches in advertising, media planning, and cultural consulting. Moving forward, the agency is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as it continues to champion inclusive and culturally relevant marketing solutions.