• by Larissa Faw , December 3, 2020

Creative agency MKG, part of Acceleration Community of Companies, is expanding its leadership team with two promotions.

Lauren Austin is upped from executive creative director to become the shop’s first Chief Creative Officer. She’ll set the agency’s creative “vision” with responsibility for all creative client work. 

In her new role, Austin will also assume responsibility for the design and integrated production teams at the agency in addition to leading creative strategy.

Concurrently, Christine Capone, former managing director, account and business development lead, is elevated to president and will be responsible for driving the overall growth and direction of the agency in partnership with Austin. Capone will also set the strategy for client development and new business priorities as well as oversee agency operations, finances, and the development of agency talent. She replaces Tracy Bussan who left MKG in June for Diageo.

The expansion of its C-suite talent follows significant business growth over the past few months, including MKG winning a five-year contract with the United States Marine Corps Community Services. This year, the shop also has developed lululemon’s Pride campaign, helped strategize the launch of Martha Stewart’s CBD line, and created digital experiences for Maui Moisture at Curlfest and Afropunk.

This client activity also coincides with the agency’s new positioning to incorporate advocacy messaging into its traditional brand actions including live activations, digital and virtual experiences, and employee engagements. Brands are increasingly seeking “meaningful” connections in addition to selling products. 

“As consumers ourselves, we choose brands who value actions before ads. We are excited to create meaningful actions with some of the world’s best brands,” says Capone.