• by Amy Corr , February 8, 2017

DDB New York promoted two and hired two. Melissa Martinez, former group business director, was elevated to chief marketing officer, and Michael Collins, former global business director, was promoted to managing partner. Alexander Rea was hired as creative technology officer, and Kimberly Bernhardt joins as managing partner.

Most recently, Martinez led integrated communications planning for the New York Lottery, and digital innovation initiatives and platform development for State Farm. As CMO, Martinez will be responsible for new business development, driving organic growth and leading key strategic marketing initiatives for the agency.

Collins is charged with building enduring agency/client partnerships in his group, which includes clients such as Merck, Lilly, Huawei, and Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies. Prior to his new role, he led integrated agency teams for Johnson & Johnson's Ethicon global surgery business.

Rea joins the agency from Framestore where he was head of creative technology. Prior to that, he served as technology experience lead at Co: Collective. This new role is responsible for providing technology leadership and oversight for all of the agency's projects.

Bernhardt joins the agency from Glamour, where she served as executive director of communications and oversaw all communications, including brand development, PR, events, partnerships and special projects. Prior to Glamour, she was executive vice president at Edelman on the Global and U.S. Unilever business.

"These promotions and hires are part of this and reinforce our commitment to ensuring we attract and retain the very best talent," said Chris Brown, president and chief executive officer of DDB New York. "Both Alexander and Kimberly bring new skill sets to the leadership team and ensure we are broadening our capabilities to meet the changing demands our clients have of us as a partner. And it is always great to recognize and promote internally. Both Michael and Mel have been doing a fantastic job and thoroughly deserve these promotions."