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DDA expands east coast operations: key hires and leadership revamp
Strengthening the east coast presence
DDA, renowned for its expertise in corporate communications and content publicity, is making significant strides in its east coast expansion. The recent introduction of skilled professionals is set to enhance the company’s influence and operations, promising a broader reach and more specialized services.
New leadership in domestic film and series publicity
In a bold move, Katie Conklin, formerly of 42West, has been appointed as the head of the new Domestic Film & Series Publicity division. Her extensive experience and a robust portfolio make her an ideal leader for this new segment. As the senior account director, Conklin brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for cinematic storytelling, skills that will undoubtedly benefit DDA’s east coast initiatives.
Joining Conklin is Madison Tobin, also hailing from 42West, who will take on the role of senior account executive. Tobin’s collaboration with Conklin over the past five years has equipped her with the necessary expertise to complement the west coast leads, Sara Tehrani and KatieJo Ash, ensuring a unified and cohesive team across both coasts.
Collaborative and complementary practices
Agency partner Dana Archer expressed high expectations for the new hires, stating, “Katie’s breadth of knowledge and experience, coupled with her passion for cinematic storytelling, equips her to build and lead a team on the east coast with Madison. It’s the perfect complement to our existing practices in Los Angeles and London and positions DDA as the premiere global agency choice for studios, streamers, and independents.”
Proven track records
Katie Conklin has an enviable track record, with over eight years of experience in devising publicity campaigns. Her notable works include successful series like “The Boys”, “The Conners”, and “The Summer I Turned Pretty”. She has also contributed to film publicity for titles such as “Drive Away Dolls”, “BlacKkKlansman”, and “Wicked Little Letters”.
Tobin’s role alongside Conklin in these projects over the past five years showcases her capability in managing high-profile campaigns, making her an indispensable asset to the new team on the east coast.
New faces and fresh perspectives
DDA New York, formally launched in May, announced the enlistment of Dan Salerno as the senior director of strategy and operations. Joining him is Rachel Effendy, a consultant and founder of boutique firm StrawberryWasabi, alongside Paige Gurski from Wieden+Kennedy, who has been named a creative lead for campaigns. These additions bring fresh perspectives and strategic insight to the company’s operations, bolstering its creative and strategic dimensions.
Expansion beyond publicity
Beyond expanding its publicity division, DDA is diversifying its offerings with the launch of a live content division. This new venture is spearheaded by veterans Richard Adamson and Louis Kemsley, who bring extensive experience and a dynamic approach to live content strategies.
Julie La’Bassiere, a seasoned professional in the awards space and BAFTA deputy chair, has joined as a global outreach executive. Working alongside her is Carola Ash as the director of international awards outreach. These appointments reflect DDA’s commitment to maintaining a global presence and a strong network, ensuring comprehensive coverage for their clients’ awards campaigns.
A global footprint
With 150 employees spread across New York, Los Angeles, and London, DDA is strategically positioned as a leader in global publicity and corporate communications. The new hires and expansion initiatives underline the company’s ambition to provide exceptional service to studios, streamers, and independent filmmakers worldwide.
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