A creative and communications professional with more than 20 years of experience, Chris Hoke joined Markstein in 2017 as Executive Creative Director, and was named Chief Creative Officer in 2019. Chris oversees Markstein’s subject matter experts, including creative, digital and media professionals. With expertise in brand building, content strategies, and results-based multi-platform campaigns, he relies on his deep experience with print, digital and interactive media to work across disciplines.
As a member of Markstein’s leadership, Chris leads innovative teams that deliver award-winning campaigns and marketing strategies across myriad industries; from workforce development initiatives and public affairs to consumer-facing business development.
Prior to Markstein, Chris spent a decade working on both editorial and marketing teams for Time Inc. As art director for the Southern Living editorial team, he provided vision across multiple content pillars and helped propel the brand’s digital content and video offerings. As a creative director for Time Inc.’s central marketing, Chris supported corporate initiatives related to digital transformation, working on multiple iconic brands including Time, Sports Illustrated, Real Simple, Cooking Light and Southern Living. His national and international clients have included Pier 1 Imports, Swanson/Campbell’s Soup Company, Ruby Tuesday Restaurants, Dillard’s, and multiple tourism and city organizations including the Nashville CVC, Visit Florida, and the Austin CVB.
In addition, he oversaw creative sales support for multiple verticals, including food and beverage, homes, automotive, luxury and healthcare. Chris was awarded the Time Inc. Brilliance Award in 2012, named Marketer of the Year for Southern Living in 2014 and 2015, and named to the 2016 Time Inc. Chairman’s Club.
Chris trained in graphic design at The Portfolio Center in Atlanta, Georgia after receiving his Bachelor of Arts in marketing from Birmingham Southern College.
View Markstein’s Creative Portfolio
Positioning Statement & Company Values
In a world in which no two business challenges are the same, Markstein blends art and science to craft custom solutions. Our insights-driven partnership model is built on extensive diagnosis, creative strategies and vigilant performance measurement. While our approach enables our partners to achieve their goals, our inspiration lies in the belief that helping solve complex problems, be it business, legislative or societal, can change the world for the better – one client at a time.
Engaging
Insights-driven partnerships are rooted in our team’s intellectual curiosity. However, our quest for knowledge and insights comes with levity. Our “always learning” mindset is married with our “always lively” personality. We take our client objectives seriously without taking ourselves too seriously.
Open-Minded
Our open-mindedness is about receptivity to new perspectives and thinking – the fundamental humility required to acknowledge no one has all the answers. Our success, both as an organization and a partner, is predicated on always looking for new and better ways.
Purposeful
A collective achiever mentality focuses on ensuring activity is not mistaken for productivity. And while we vigilantly pursue success for our clients and our company, our professional nourishment comes from doing good and having loftier objectives beyond prosperity. We are collectively committed to making a difference and enhancing a legacy of bettering our partners, our community and ourselves.
