Russell Dodson and Tony Kalathara, an associate creative director duo, have been promoted to creative directors of DAVID Miami. Dodson and Kalathara have been with DAVID Miami since the agency’s inception two years ago, working across the shop’s client roster including Heinz Ketchup and Mustard, Burger King and Coca-Cola.

Born and raised in south Georgia, Dodson spent his pre-advertising days as a bartender, scuba instructor, and bakery owner in Athens, Costa Rica, and the Bahamas. He eventually moved back to the states and got into advertising, working for agencies including Pereira & O’Dell and Crispin Porter + Bogusky in San Francisco and New York. 

Kalathara started his career in finance, but quit within six months to pursue a creative path. He’s worked with brands including Nivea, Nabisco, Vitamin Water and Burger King at FCB, Strawberry Frog, Toy and Crispin Porter + Bogusky.