Markstein, an integrated communications agency, today announced that Greg Schumann and Chris Hoke have been promoted to Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Creative Officer, respectively. Schumann will lead the agency’s business expansion efforts and strategically evolve the company’s account structures to further diversify the agency’s account portfolio and continue on an accelerated growth track. Hoke will oversee all creative, media and digital execution, ensuring Markstein’s insights-driven partnership model propels clients forward with tangible results.
“The ascension of Greg and Chris to these executive roles reflect our agency’s continued evolution and the importance of collaborative leadership moving forward. Greg and Chris have a great track record of effectively partnering to accelerate business growth and expansion,” said Keelie Segars, CEO.
Schumann and Hoke worked closely together at Southern Living, where the two collaborated on revenue diversification, new advertiser offerings and brand digital transformation, leading to four consecutive years of revenue growth and the culmination of the brand’s record-setting 50th anniversary in 2016.
“Greg’s new role will allow him to leverage his proven track record in organizational strategy and business development and will serve as a catalyst for agency expansion, industry alignment and client performance,” said Segars. “Chris will draw on his deep expertise in a range of creative fields to ensure Markstein continues to leverage department integration as a foundational element to our comprehensive, results-driven campaigns and strategies.”
Previously a vice president, Schumann is a seasoned marketing and advertising professional, spending more than two decades working in a variety of leadership roles in strategic planning, multi-media consulting and brand positioning. Prior to joining Markstein, he operated in several executive capacities with Time Inc., ascending to group president of sales and marketing.
“I am excited about the prospect of once again collaborating with Chris and the team to build on the momentum we’ve established over the past two years at Markstein. We’re poised to deliver our second consecutive record setting revenue year and are focused on further accelerating that growth and expansion,” said Schumann.
Hoke brings more than 20 years of creative experience to his new position, previously executive creative director, serving as an expert across creative disciplines. Before joining the Markstein team, he served as the art director for the Southern Living editorial team and subsequently a creative director for Time Inc’s central marketing team, driving innovative digital and video content creation. Hoke curated a diverse range of experience in a variety of sectors, including food, homes, automotive, luxury and healthcare.
“It is a transformational time at Markstein as we experience the next phase of our evolution – one that will poise our agency for expansive growth and empower us to holistically solve the challenges our clients face,” said Hoke. “I am excited to again partner with Greg to help lead a team during such a pivotal time in the agency’s history.”