• by Steve McClellan  @mp_mcclellan, June 19, 2017

Engine announced today it was merging its agency Deep Focus with sibling Moment Studio. The combined entity will retain the Deep Focus name. Ken Kraemer, previously CEO of Moment will take the reins of the expanded Deep Focus as CEO. Ian Schafer, outgoing Deep Focus CEO has been appointed to the new role of Chief Experience Officer Engine U.S. 

Before leading Moment Kraemer previously served as head of creative at Deep Focus for six years. And under Kraemer’s leadership Moment Studio has doubled its revenue year to year. The two businesses have worked closely over the last 18 months and have won five new clients in the past six months, including SlimFast and U.S Bank. 

“We believe that the new combined business model is the model that clients need now, and we are confident Ken’s distinctive combination of strategic and creative leadership can execute on that vision,” said Rick Eiserman, North American CEO, Engine. “Additionally, from the Engine perspective, we know that Ian, who has spent 15 years building a powerhouse digital brand, will now be able to bring immense value to our portfolio of companies and their clients in his new role.” 

The company also indicated that several other executives will take on added responsibilities under the new setup. Christina Cooksey, currently Executive Director of Content at Moment Studio, will take over as SVP of Creative Product. Kristen King, formerly Group Account Director across many of Deep Focus’ key businesses, will become SVP of Client Strategy. Michael Asaro, formerly Executive Group Director of Production, will become SVP of Operations.