Dave Damman has joined the leadership team at New Orleans-based agency PETERMAYER as chief creative officer. With more than 20 years of experience in advertising, Damman has had his work recognized in the U.S. and internationally at award competitions including The One Show, Cannes Lions, CA, the New York Art Directors Club and Britain’s D&AD.
Damman previously held creative leadership positions at several agencies, including Carmichael Lynch, Fallon Worldwide, Gallegos United and IPG’s Commonwealth. His most recent position was CCO and president at Nashville’s BUNTIN, where he launched the agency onto the national stage with work for Servpro, Chinet, 1792 Bourbon and Trex. Although his resume includes breakthrough campaigns for brands such as Subaru, Timberland, Pepsi, Harley-Davidson and United Airlines, he defines his best work as helping others do theirs, leading from below to develop talent by giving individuals roots and wings.
“Dave Damman is joy. Full stop. His approachable and inviting demeanor and zest for a colorful and fulfilling lifestyle make him a natural fit for our already effervescent team,” said PETERMAYER CEO Michelle Edelman. “Not only does Dave have the experience and credentials we were looking for as the driving force behind our creative offerings, but he also possesses the emotional intelligence to build a thoughtful program to foster everyone’s best as their new team leader. Also, he likes dogs, so we knew he was one of us.”
Damman said, “What attracted me to PETERMAYER was the people. The agency launched its new Unleashing Brand Joy platform in June, and it’s clear that there is complete buy-in to that vision. This team is confident we are destined for greatness, and they are ready to fully commit and have fun along the way. I am also completely bought into this whole ‘Joy’ thing. Whether we realize it or not, we experience joy every day. The more we observe and acknowledge it, the more likely those little sparks will build up to a truly happy life. For brands, getting credit for their daily contributions is invaluable to their success.”
Damman and his family are embarking on a move from Nashville to New Orleans. The enigmatic yet kind and celebratory vibe of New Orleans resonates with the creative leader, who said, “New Orleans has almost an unfair advantage as an, at times underrated, creative hub. The power of the city as a muse, its global recognition as a fountainhead for art in all forms and the sheer determination to not just survive but thrive, work together to elicit joy.”
Damman’s addition to the agency’s leadership team follows the recent hiring of Breck Rochow, VP of public relations and social media, in April and Jacqui Gibson-Clark, VP of operations, in September.
