Independent ad agency RPA has hired Cliff Atkinson for the role of SVP, executive director, digital media. Atkinson will report to EVP, chief media officer Jim Helberg and will lead RPA’s entire digital media practice, inclusive of all strategy, social, programmatic, search and ad ops.
Atkinson comes to RPA from Saatchi & Saatchi L.A., where he held a similar role leading their digital strategy and investment practice. While at Saatchi, he was influential in pioneering greater synergies around the marriage of media and messaging. In his role at RPA, he will partner with cross-functional teams to further develop the agency’s suite of offerings as well as partner creative agencies.
“Cliff’s work in emerging platforms is impressive, and he will be relentless in our pursuit of best-in-class relationships, solutions and game-changing innovation that allows us to see around corners in this complex landscape,” said Helberg. “He brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, passion and humanity to our digital media practice.”
Prior to his more than 12 years at Saatchi & Saatchi L.A., Atkinson began his career at Grey NY and progressed through the digital world with key posts at various agencies, including Deutsch N.Y. and L.A. His account experience includes Toyota, Procter & Gamble, Coors Light, UnitedHealthcare, and the Discovery Channel.
Atkinson holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Pennsylvania, where he also minored in computer science and engineering.
Oscar and Emmy-Winning Composer Kris Bowers Joins Barking Owl For Advertising, Branded Content
Music, audio post and sonic branding house Barking Owl has taken on exclusive representation of Oscar and Emmy-winning composer Kris Bowers for advertising and branded content.
Bowers’ recent film scores include The Wild Robot and Bob Marley: One Love, alongside acclaimed past works such as The Color Purple (2023), King Richard and Green Book. His contributions to television are equally impressive, with scores for hit series like Bridgerton, When They See Us, Dear White People, and his Daytime Emmy Award-winning score for The Snowy Day.
In addition to his work as a composer, Bowers is a visionary director. He recently took home the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject for his directorial work on The Last Repair Shop. The emotionally touching short film spotlights four of the people responsible for repairing the musical instruments used by students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The Last Repair Shop reflects the positive influence that musical instruments have on the youngsters who play them, and the adults in the LAUSD free repair service who keep them working and in tune.
Barking Owl CEO Kirkland Alexander Lynch said of Bowers, “His artistry, diversity of style and depth of storytelling bring an unparalleled edge to the work we create for global brands. His presence on our roster reflects our continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound and music in advertising.”
Johanna Cranitch, creative director, Barking Owl, added, “Kris first caught my attention when he released his record ‘Heroes + Misfits’ where he fused together his jazz sensibility with a deeply ingrained aptitude for melody, so beautifully.... Read More