Partners + Napier has promoted SVP Mike Baron from group creative director to executive creative director. Since joining the agency in 2005, Baron has been instrumental in building the Partners + Napier health and wellness vertical, while redefining and reshaping the agency’s in-house content studio.
In his newly expanded position, Baron will continue to oversee creative work for the agency’s growing health and wellness vertical, while playing a key role on the agency growth team and the operations team. He will also look to strengthen and expand the content studio to meet the ever-evolving needs of agency clients.
“Since the very early days of the agency, Mike’s personal creative contributions have helped shape our product, and his leadership style will continue to help us write our future,” said Sharon Napier, CEO and founder of Partners + Napier. “Mike’s love for this business is contagious. He inspires everyone around him to push their limits and do their best work.”
Baron’s work as a writer, creative leader and commercial director over his 14 years at the agency has helped build a creative culture of excellence. Baron’s work for Less Plastics UK claimed two Silver and two Gold ADDY Awards at this year’s regional event, where he also took home the Best of Broadcast Award. In 2018, his work for the African Conservation Foundation was recognized in Lurzer’s Archive, and his work for Highmark Health won bronze and gold Effies in the North American Effie Awards — catapulting Partners + Napier to Effie Worldwide’s Top Most Effective Individual Agencies in North America.
“We’ve proven that great work can be done for any brand — in any industry,” said Baron. “I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a group of amazingly talented and passionate people, and I’m excited to see what we can do next.”
Prior to joining Partners + Napier, Baron spent time at Hill Holliday, Young & Rubicam, Saatchi & Saatchi, Crowley Webb & Associates and Eric Mower and Associates. He has worked on some of the best-known consumer brands as well as household names in healthcare and financial services, including PepsiCo, Delta Vacations, Capital One, Highmark Health, M&T Bank, TJX Corporation (Marshall’s), and Citibank Corporation.
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