BSSP Appoints David Eastman as COO

Independent Agency Expands Leadership Team with Digital Vet

SAUSALITO, CA, August 28, 2017 – Leading independent agency Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners announced the hire of David Eastman in the new role of Chief Operating Officer, a move designed to establish the agency’s next generation of leadership and solidify its position as a leading independent agency in the continually evolving marketplace.

Eastman brings native digital skills as well as big agency experience having previously served as both Global Head of Digital and CEO, North America at JWT. He also served as CEO of Agency.com and Zulu (Omnicom’s digital network).

In discussing the hire, BSSP CO-founder and CEO Greg Stern noted: “BSSP has continually re-invented itself over the years, with acquisitions and key hires. We have been looking for a senior executive with the experience to help us navigate as we continue to shape our marketing services offering. David is the ideal next gen leader to expand our existing leadership team to help take BSSP into the future.”

Stern added that he will continue to lead the agency as CEO, with John Butler as CCO, and is bringing in Eastman as part of a long-term agency management succession plan.

John Butler, BSSP Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer stated, “David has a perspective about where the business is going that corresponds with ours—and he’s an entrepreneur at heart. His point of view and experience are going to be a valuable asset to the place.”

BSSP has consistently invested in new hires and capabilities to stay ahead of industry change and deliver breakthrough creative ideas. It was the first to use consumer-generated content in advertising for then-client Converse, and created the first VR print campaign for MINI. The agency has a long-established programmatic media Trading Desk and Data Analytics Platform “The Goods.” More recently, it has expanded its creative services with recent hires in creative content development and production, and digital platform prototyping.

In commenting on his move, David Eastman said, “BSSP have proven themselves resilient players in a volatile industry. I’m attracted to the independent culture, their creative reputation with an emphasis on strategic insight, and a willingness to adapt. I’m excited to be a part of the continued evolution of this company.

Eastman was most recently Managing Partner at MCD Partners, a digital design and marketing agency acquired by M&C Saatchi Group last year. Prior to that, David spent almost four years as CEO North America at JWT. That job was preceded by his position as Worldwide Head of Digital at JWT, based in New York. Originally from the UK, David has over twenty years of digital transformation, leadership and strategy experience, working with some of the worlds best known brands.

About BSSP
BSSP (bssp.com) is a full-service marketing communications agency based in Sausalito, CA, that provides services in advertising, digital marketing, data analytics, media strategy and buying, brand identity, design and strategic brand consulting. BSSP is one of the largest independent agencies in the West and has provided highly creative, award winning and fully accountable marketing solutions to a broad array of marketers including Nature Made Vitamins, Allergan, Greyhound, MINI, Premier Protein, PowerBar, Blue Shield of California, Priceline and many others. Adweek named BSSP Small Agency of the Decade, and Outside Magazine has consistently recognized the agency as one of the Best Places to Work in America.