Darkroom Appoints Peter Gao as SVP of Growth Targeting Major Brands with AI Innovation

Darkroom Welcomes Peter Gao as SVP of Growth

In an exciting development within the marketing industry, Darkroom, recognized as the first AI-native growth marketing agency, has appointed Peter Gao as its new Senior Vice President of Growth. This strategic move, announced on January 14, 2026, is part of Darkroom's initiative to enhance its capabilities and broaden its engagement with leading brands across various sectors.

Peter Gao joins Darkroom after serving as the Vice President of Strategic Business Development at Rokt. His extensive experience in enterprise sales and go-to-market strategies, especially within e-commerce and advertising technology, positions him as a formidable asset for the agency. Gao's appointment is notably one of the 30 hires made by Darkroom in 2025 — an endeavor marked by a highly selective process with an acceptance rate of only 1%. This highlights the agency's commitment to bringing top-tier talent on board.

Lucas DiPietrantonio, co-founder and CEO of Darkroom, expressed enthusiasm about Gao's arrival, stating that it coincides with the agency's ongoing efforts to integrate software and AI-driven solutions into its business model. As the company expands its sales team, Gao’s leadership is expected to enhance the maturity of their sales operations. DiPietrantonio emphasized, “With Peter, we anticipate unlocking Darkroom’s full capabilities for our clients, ensuring we collaborate with some of the globe's most prominent brands.”

Gao's professional journey spans over a decade, showcasing his ability to foster partnerships and lead sales initiatives in high-growth tech environments. At Rokt, he played a pivotal role in establishing strategic partnerships and amplifying sales achievements across various sectors including retail and e-commerce marketplaces. Prior to this role, he was the Senior Business Development Manager at SuperData, a Nielsen company, where he directed global sales for the gaming analytics division — securing deals with industry giants like Microsoft and Sony. Gao even founded a cross-border commerce venture and began his career as an Intelligence Analyst at Point72 Asset Management, further diversifying his impressive expertise in B2B sales and market analytics.

This key hire aligns seamlessly with Darkroom's strategic priorities, focusing on expanding its growth footprint and attracting larger mid-market and enterprise clients. It underscores the agency's dedication to fostering senior leadership that can innovate within a commerce technology framework. Describing itself as the first AI-native advertising agency, Darkroom merges advanced artificial intelligence solutions with human creativity — striving for a unique synergy that fuels client success across platforms such as Amazon, TikTok Shop, and direct-to-consumer channels.

Founded in 2017 and based in New York, Darkroom has experienced rapid growth from a boutique design studio to one of America's fastest-growing private firms, according to the Inc. 5000. Its founders, Lucas DePietrantonio and Jackson Corey, have also been celebrated in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for their groundbreaking work in marketing and advertising. The recent integration of Peter Gao into its leadership team reflects a significant shift for the agency. With the business now operating on a larger scale, Gao’s dedicated leadership in sales will enable Darkroom to progress effectively without compromising focus or efficiency.

In his new role, Gao will prioritize two main objectives: assisting current clients in discovering and maximizing the innovative solutions Darkroom offers, and spearheading initiatives to attract brands that will define the agency's next growth phase. His proven track record at Rokt and reputation as a disciplined executive make him a perfect fit for Darkroom's leadership landscape, paving the way for further advancements in their service offering.

Gao's appointment not only represents a pivotal growth moment for Darkroom but highlights the agency’s vision for the future — a future that intertwines technological evolution with marketing ingenuity to produce measurable revenue outcomes for all clients.