Walton Isaacson Strengthens Leadership with New Appointments

Walton Isaacson Expands Leadership Team

Walton Isaacson (WI), a notable full-service advertising agency renowned for its innovative and inclusive strategies, has taken significant steps to enhance its leadership team and promote growth within the organization. The company recently announced the return of Christine Villanueva, Ph.D., as the Executive Vice President of Brand, Strategy, and Growth, alongside the appointment of Tony Santabarbara as Chief Financial Officer.

Christine Villanueva's Return and New Role

Christine Villanueva, Ph.D., brings a wealth of experience back to Walton Isaacson, having previously served as the Chief Strategy and Brand Officer from 2016 to 2021. In her new position, she will lead the agency's strategic vision and oversee the growth of the client portfolio, particularly aiming to attract prominent blue-chip clients.

A Journey Through Experience

Following her departure from WI, Villanueva played a vital role at Universal McCann as the U.S. Chief Strategy Officer, where she directed overall strategy, marketing, and thought leadership. Her expertise gained from launching Foxtail Strategy LLC, a consultancy focused on brand strategy, will be instrumental in ensuring that Walton Isaacson continues to provide innovative solutions that achieve both immediate results and sustainable growth for clients. Based in New York, Villanueva is poised to leverage her comprehensive knowledge in media and marketing as she takes on these new responsibilities at WI.

Tony Santabarbara Joins as Chief Financial Officer

The hiring of Tony Santabarbara as CFO marks another significant development for Walton Isaacson. With an impressive background that features seven years in finance roles with WPP's GroupM, Santabarbara brings extensive experience from serving as Global CFO for various groups within the organization, including Performance Media Group and Essence. His prior 18 years at Fox in finance and leadership roles further strengthen his position.

Transitioning Leadership in Finance

Santabarbara takes over the role from Bill Braunstein, who has been with Walton Isaacson since 2012. Braunstein will remain involved in an advisory capacity, continuing to lend his expertise to the agency. His long-standing career in financial management and contributions to building a successful agency will ensure a smooth transition for Santabarbara.

Promotions Reflecting Growth and Commitment

Alongside these key appointments, Walton Isaacson has promoted 16 team members across different departments, showcasing their commitment to nurturing internal talent and fostering professional development. These promotions recognize individual contributions while encouraging a culture of growth within the agency.

List of Recent Promotions

The promotions within Walton Isaacson include notable advancements: Rosemarie Sanchez has moved from VP of media to SVP of Media; Amanda Lewensky from Group Account Director to VP, Group Account Director; and Diori Thomas along with Kevin Simcox have both transitioned to VP, Creative Director roles from Creative Director positions. Other promoted team members include Eric Roybal, who now serves as VP of Project Management, and Keisha Dixon, who moves to Executive Director, Experiential.

CEO’s Vision for the Future

Aaron Walton, CEO at Walton Isaacson, shared his thoughts on these major shifts within the company: "This is an exciting moment for Walton Isaacson. Christine's strategic leadership and Tony's financial expertise will help deliver transformational results for our clients. At the same time, we're also grateful to Bill for his many years of dedicated service and proud to elevate so many of our existing team members, whose passion and creativity fuel our success every day."

About Walton Isaacson

Walton Isaacson, an independent full-service advertising and marketing agency, operates offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York. Founded to revolutionize brand communication with audiences, WI excels in areas including advertising, media buying, brand strategy, and cultural consulting. The agency emphasizes creating inclusive campaigns that resonate culturally, driving growth for leading clients in diverse sectors like automotive, CPG, luxury, sports, and entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the recent leadership changes at Walton Isaacson?

Walton Isaacson announced Christine Villanueva's return as EVP and the appointment of Tony Santabarbara as CFO.

What is Christine Villanueva's role in Walton Isaacson?

She will lead the agency's strategic vision and growth, focusing on expanding the client base.

Who is Tony Santabarbara?

Tony Santabarbara is the newly appointed CFO with extensive experience in finance roles at WPP’s GroupM and Fox.

How many staff members were promoted recently at Walton Isaacson?

Sixteen team members were promoted across various departments.

What is the vision of Walton Isaacson?

The agency aims to transform brand communication through innovative advertising and inclusive strategies, serving diverse clients.

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