Austin, TX – In a significant move signaling robust growth and a deep commitment to nurturing top-tier creative talent, Austin-based advertising agency Callen has announced the addition of nine new professionals to its ranks. This strategic expansion, spanning creative leadership, account management, and production, follows what the agency describes as a "bumper year" marked by substantial revenue increases and impactful client campaigns. The new team members will contribute to the success of prominent accounts including SanDisk, Olipop, Whatnot, and Crocs, reporting to key agency leaders Craig Allen, Mike Davidson, and David Hughes.
The influx of talent represents a deliberate reinforcement of Callen’s position as a premier destination for creative professionals seeking an environment that values innovation and artistic freedom. The collective experience of the new hires is extensive, with individuals bringing a wealth of knowledge gleaned from stints at industry giants such as Wieden+Kennedy, The Martin Agency, Monks, and TBWAChiatDay. This pedigree underscores Callen’s investment in attracting individuals with proven track records in crafting compelling and award-winning work.
A Cohort of Award-Winning Innovators
The newly appointed team members are not only seasoned professionals but also recognized innovators, boasting an impressive array of accolades. Their collective achievements include Emmy Awards, top-tier rankings on USA Today’s Ad Meter for Super Bowl commercials, and prestigious industry honors such as Cannes Lions, D&D Pencils, Webby Awards, and Clio Awards. Their creative fingerprints are on campaigns for some of the world’s most iconic brands, including Nike, Budweiser, Instacart, Skittles, State Farm, Burger King, and GEICO, demonstrating a broad capacity for strategic and impactful brand storytelling.
Craig Allen, founder and Chief Creative Officer of Callen, articulated the agency’s ethos, stating, "The advertising industry has changed over the years. At Callen, we have become a haven for people who still love creativity, but have fallen out of love with the industry itself. I am proud to have built a place that attracts such incredible talent and inspires people to create fun, unexpected work. At its core, our culture is simple: if people are having a good time doing the work, they’ll create something people actually want to experience. Create things that matter to real humans." This philosophy appears to be a significant draw for seasoned professionals seeking a more fulfilling and creatively driven work environment.
Deep Dive into the New Creative Leadership
The creative department has been significantly strengthened by the arrival of four new Creative Directors: Brian Culp, Katie Bero, Eli Ferrer, and Jeffrey Hodgson. All four join Callen from TBWAChiatDay, bringing with them a shared history of delivering high-impact campaigns.
Brian Culp, with nearly two decades in the industry, has a distinguished portfolio. His past work includes conceptualizing and executing a memorable Skittles Super Bowl commercial featuring Elijah Wood, a reunion of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito that topped USA Today’s Ad Meter, and an Emmy-nominated campaign for State Farm. His ability to translate brand messaging into culturally resonant moments is a key asset.
Katie Bero, who entered the advertising world in 2007, has also amassed an impressive list of achievements. Her work has garnered the #1 spot on USA Today’s Ad Meter, earned her an Emmy nomination, and secured numerous industry awards, including a D&D Wooden Pencil, multiple Clio Awards, and a Silver Cannes Lion. Her contributions to brands like Skittles, State Farm, Coors Light, and the NHL highlight her versatility and strategic approach to brand building.
Eli Ferrer and Jeffrey Hodgson, recognized together on Adweek’s Creative 100 in 2020, have forged a successful creative partnership. Since meeting at Gut, they have collaborated on campaigns for brands such as Popeyes and Skittles, demonstrating a synergy that Callen will undoubtedly leverage. Their combined vision is expected to inject fresh perspectives into the agency’s creative output.
Rounding out the creative hires are Creative Directors Ryan Raab and Brett Beaty. Ryan Raab arrives at Callen from The Martin Agency, where he was instrumental in developing conceptual creative for major brands including Burger King, Newcastle Brown Ale, Johnsonville, and most recently, GEICO. His expertise in building engaging narratives for established brands will be invaluable.
Brett Beaty brings nine years of experience from Goodby Silverstein & Partners, where he played a leading role in significant campaigns for clients such as Pepsi, Frito-Lay, and Liberty Mutual. His tenure at a highly respected agency signifies a deep understanding of brand strategy and creative execution.
Expanding Production Capabilities
The production department sees a significant enhancement with the addition of Austin Shore as Executive Producer. Shore’s career includes a recent role as Senior Creative Producer at Monks and a substantial six-year tenure at Wieden+Kennedy. Throughout her career, she has been recognized with some of advertising’s most prestigious awards, including two "Weird and Experimental" Webby Awards, underscoring her innovative approach to production and her ability to bring unconventional ideas to life. Her experience is expected to streamline and elevate Callen’s production workflows, ensuring creative visions are realized with exceptional quality.
Strengthening Account Leadership
On the account management front, Callen has welcomed Kate Schaetzle and Demetrius Wallace. Kate Schaetzle joins after a three-year tenure as Director of Brand and Culture at Instacart. In this role, she spearheaded brand activations, managed partnerships, and oversaw social media strategy, guiding the company through its IPO and its inaugural Super Bowl commercial. Her previous six years at Wieden+Kennedy were marked by significant contributions, including the creation of Nike’s Emmy-winning split-screen advertisement, an epic three-minute film for the 2019 Women’s World Cup, and a memorable campaign that sent a chicken sandwich to space. Schaetzle’s blend of brand-building expertise and high-profile project management is a powerful addition.
Demetrius Wallace enters the agency as an Account Supervisor, arriving from Wieden+Kennedy where he spent five years managing large-scale projects for brands such as Allstate, Visa, Supercell, HP, and Budweiser. His experience in steering complex campaigns for diverse clients positions him to provide exceptional strategic guidance and client support.
A Foundation for Continued Success
These nine new hires are the latest in a series of strategic additions to Callen’s leadership team. In the past year, the agency also welcomed Jess Monsey as Chief Opportunity Officer, David Terry as Chief Strength Officer, Paola Ortega as Strategy Director, and Mike Davidson as Head of Production. This consistent focus on augmenting its senior leadership underscores Callen’s ambitious growth trajectory and its dedication to building a comprehensive and experienced team.
David Hughes, Partner and President at Callen, commented on the significance of these new appointments: "We know the best talent has options. So when people choose Callen, we don’t take it lightly. What’s exciting isn’t just that we’ve added nine incredibly accomplished people, it’s that every one of them believes the same thing we do: the best work happens when you surround great people with the freedom to take big swings and have fun doing it. That’s the culture we’re building, and these hires make it even stronger." This statement highlights the agency’s culture-first approach to talent acquisition, emphasizing empowerment and a passion for impactful creative.
Momentous Year Fuels Expansion
The hiring surge is directly linked to a period of exceptional performance for Callen. The agency reported an impressive 80.5% revenue increase over the past twelve months. This financial growth has been fueled by successful client partnerships and strategic wins.
Olipop, a rapidly growing beverage brand, named Callen its lead creative agency following the agency’s innovative expansion of the brand’s SpongeBob collaboration. Callen conceptualized and executed a campaign featuring a fictional competitor product, "Chumpop," developed by the character Plankton, which resonated strongly with consumers and amplified the brand’s playful narrative.
SanDisk has also continued its successful partnership with Callen, engaging the agency for work that pushes creative boundaries. Campaigns have included a charming narrative featuring an indestructible robot accompanying creatives on their journey, and a musically driven campaign utilizing earworm tunes to highlight the expansive capabilities of SanDisk drives. These efforts have yielded tangible business results, including a 13% lift in revenue on Amazon and 39% quarter-over-quarter growth in the consumer category, demonstrating Callen’s ability to translate creative excellence into measurable business impact.
The strategic expansion of Callen’s team, coupled with its recent financial success and impactful client work, positions the agency for continued leadership in the creative industry. The addition of nine highly experienced professionals signals a strong commitment to innovation, client success, and fostering a vibrant, creatively charged work environment. All nine new hires have commenced their roles immediately, ready to contribute to Callen’s ongoing momentum.
