Design studio and creative agency Imaginary Forces has brought Matthew Barish aboard as chief operating officer. With over 12 years of experience in managing the four Ps–people, process, profit, and production–Barish is the first COO in the L.A.-based company’s 26-year history.
Barish believes in empowering talent and organizations to push beyond preconceived boundaries and breakthrough to new levels of delivery, growth, and expansion. “The greater good isn’t only the company, but the people. Imaginary Forces has strong creatives; it’s simply the culture. I’m looking forward to helping to promote every voice within the company – getting people happy about what they're doing and excited about their potential and growth at IF.”
Chip Houghton, managing director and co-founder of Imaginary Forces, said, “Today we see new, gigantic opportunities to connect and engage audiences. Matthew has joined the Forces as COO to lead, streamline, and execute the studio’s vision of what we believe is possible. I’m thrilled and grateful. This is one of those moments.”
Peter Frankfurt, executive creative director and co-founder, added, “Matthew has what it takes to help make Imaginary Forces the very best version of itself. It’s exciting to have him join the team at such an interesting moment in our story."
Prior to joining Imaginary Forces, Barish was sr. talent manager at R/GA for a year-long tenure. Before that he worked as a freelance project manager, talent recruiting, and resource manager for five-and-a-half years. Prior to that, Barish was operations manager at The Mill. He holds a B.A. in History from Columbia University and an M.B.A. from University of Oregon–Charles H. Lundquist College of Business.
