• by Richard Whitman , Columnist, July 26, 2022

Two years ago German independent agency Pahnke Group opened its first outpost in the US—an office in Chicago.

Gradually, Pahnke has been building the team there as it has expanded its client base, which includes confectionary company Storck USA (Werther’s Original, Mamba, merci, Riesen, Knoppers), luxury travel lounge provider P/S, PlantPlus Foods and The City of Chicago.

Now the agency has appointed Kate Black to the new role of president and partner. Black will lead the account side of the shop with a remit to expand the client roster (also known as pitching and winning new business).

Black joins Pahnke from media and marketing consulting firm MediaLink where she was vice president, brand & creative transformation for the past four years, helping clients with digital transformation efforts and other marketing challenges. 

Prior to joining MediaLink, Black helped build a startup content agency at The Onion.  Earlier she spent close to a decade at ad agency mcgarrybowen, managing Disney Destination’s domestic and international accounts.  

In her new role Black will collaborate with Susan Betteridge, Chief Creative Officer and Partner.