• by Richard Whitman , Columnist, January 25, 2016

Multicultural agency Dieste Inc. has named Ciro Sarmiento its new chief creative officer. Sarmiento, who had been the agency's ECD will fill the position starting February 1st. Dieste's previous CCO, Paco Olavarrieta will remain with the agency, as a "Craft-Maestro," which I can only assume is some sort of CD Emeritus sort of thing.

Of the promotion, Dieste CEO Greg Knipp said: "Ciro is one of the most accomplished creative executives in our field. And we felt like he was ready to take the helm of CCO, giving continuity to the great momentum we have as an agency."

Sarmiento joined Dieste in 2013 as an executive creative director under Olavarrieta's creative guidance. "When I invited Ciro to join the agency I knew that I had found a potential candidate to succeed me. And for the last year Greg, Tony Dieste, Ciro and I worked together on a succession plan, giving Ciro all the tools and support needed for a harmonious and successful transition," said Olavarrieta.  

Dieste celebrated its 20th anniversary last December, and according to the agency's leadership team, it is going through one of its best moments. "I'm extremely excited about the opportunity of helping to shape the agency's next 20 years," said Sarmiento. The agency was recently recognized with two Cannes Lions, two Clio awards, 2016 Ad Age Standout and several other awards for platforms developed for its clients.