Barker-Evans takes over from Stephen Neale, who retired after a 36-year career with the company. She reports to Jeff Berg, president of AbelsonTaylor Group.

Berg said Barker-Evans has "the right combination of knowledge, experience and curiosity to build on our legacy and to expand AbelsonTaylor Group’s creative capabilities and expertise as we advance into the future.”

Prior to joining AbelsonTaylor, Barker-Evans was senior vice president, executive creative director of Hawkeye, an agency focused on data-driven advertising and CRM. She also served as senior vice president, executive creative director of Epsilon. Both agencies are part of The Publicis Groupe. She also held senior creative posts at FCB and Ryan Partnership.

In July, ad agency AbelsonTaylor formed AbelsonTaylor Group, which comprises four business units: flagship agency AbelsonTaylor, AT Nutrient, Dose and AT Activate.