Stagwell agency Code and Theory has tapped James O'Brien as its first global chief marketing officer.   

In his new role, O'Brien will spearhead the Code and Theory Network's growth initiatives. The agency network includes Code and Theory, Kettle, Instrument, Left Field Labs, Truelogic, Rhythm, Mediacurrent and the recently acquired Create. Group.   

In part, O’Brien is tasked with amplifying the agency’s positioning that in an era where AI, emerging technologies and human creativity are constantly reshaping landscapes, the agency’s 50-50 mix of engineers and creatives is critical to solving the most complex challenges facing global businesses.   

O'Brien came aboard after five years with interactive production studio Thinkingbox, where he was a partner, leading sales and business development, customer experience strategy and digital transformation. He worked with clients including Zillow, American Express, Intuit, Starbucks and Discord.   

Earlier he founded digital marketing agency Aarra and co-founded design and creative agency Welikesmall. Both firms were acquired by Thinkingbox in 2019. 

The appointment is the agency’s second big hire this week. Earlier it tapped former cosmopolitan editor in chief Jessica Giles to run its new media experience practice. 

Other recent senior hires include:  

Commenting on the latest hire agency co-founder Dan Gardner said, "It’s becoming more clear to the market that labeling anything ‘digital’ is not enough. It requires not only a rigor of engineering sophistication but also creativity and use cases on how to apply this technology in differentiated and effective ways.”  

Code And Theory clients include Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, MSNBC, NFL, Pfizer and Zappos.