ADVERTISING
• Good Giant and Two by Four, two private equity-backed advertising agencies that have come together under a new leadership structure owned by Merit Capital Partners and Six Pillars Partners, announced the appointment of Dave Kissel as chief executive officer of the group. Kissel is the first hire for the new private equity-backed ad agency holding group and comes directly from his role as managing director of DDB Chicago.
In his new role Kissel will enhance and complement an experienced leadership team comprised of Rich Sullivan (CEO of Good Giant) and David Stevenson (CEO of Two by Four). His appointment signals a strategic move to capitalize on the growing influence of independent agency holdings, many of which are outperforming larger conglomerates through agility, specialization and a focused commitment to their clients’ success.
In his role as managing director of DDB Chicago, Kissel drove strategic operations, creative excellence and cultural initiatives for the agency, whose recent new business wins among existing and new clients have given the office significant momentum over the last year. Kissel previously served as DDB’s Global Business Lead on McDonald’s, where he helped advance creative effectiveness and CRM efforts. His distinguished career spans leadership roles at top agencies, media companies, and start-up ventures. He brings unparalleled expertise to lead the next great independent agency holding structure.
Good Giant, renowned for its expertise in gaming and hospitality, and Two by Four, a trailblazing creative agency with a knack for human-centered storytelling, are ideally positioned to thrive in an increasingly competitive advertising landscape.
Backed by Merit Capital Partners and Six Pillars Partners, Kissel will invest in cutting-edge technology, talent development, and strategic acquisitions to scale the capabilities of the holding group. At the same time, he is dedicated to preserving what makes each agency unique: unmatched industry expertise, creative independence, and distinctive cultures. Kissel’s vision centers on leveraging these strengths to craft impactful, bold campaigns that deliver results for clients.
“Dave’s extensive leadership across agencies, media companies, and start-ups makes him uniquely qualified to lead Good Giant and Two by Four in building the next great independent agency holding group,” said Ben Yarbrough, managing director at Merit Capital Partners. “His strategic vision and ability to develop high-performing teams will complement our leadership and drive transformative growth, delivering exceptional value to our clients.”
This announcement arrives at a pivotal moment for the advertising industry, as independent holding groups continue to gain momentum by offering specialized, agile solutions. Kissel’s leadership will position Good Giant and Two by Four to compete with publicly held industry giants like Omnicom and WPP, as well as the new generation of independent agency networks like Dawn, Meet The People and Plus Company, while leveraging private equity resources to scale operations and pursue growth opportunities, building the next great independent agency holding.
NONPROFIT
• Silver State Equality, Nevada’s statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, announced the appointment of four new members to its board of advisors. These distinguished leaders from across the gaming, hospitality, nonprofit and human resources sectors join the organization at a critical time for LGBTQ+ equality and representation in Nevada.
“Each of these new advisors brings unique talents, networks, and life experience to Silver State Equality,” said Andre C. Wade, state director, Silver State Equality. “Their leadership and commitment will help us advance equality for LGBTQ+ Nevadans and ensure our communities are represented at every table.”
New Members of the Silver State Equality Board of Advisors:
— Lenix Jorge: senior director, people capability — Gaming Americas, Light & Wonder
A seasoned global HR executive with over 20 years of experience in gaming, tech and manufacturing, Jorge brings deep expertise in workplace equity, talent development and leading organizational transformation.
— Norris Hamilton: senior vice president and general manager, Caesars Entertainment (Ret.). A hospitality leader with a decades-long career spanning premier casino resorts, Hamilton offers decades of executive leadership, a passion for mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion.
— Rob Scherillo: Systems Product Marketing Strategy, IGT
With more than 20 years in gaming and entertainment marketing, Scherillo brings creative strategy, a deep Las Vegas network, and a proven record of LGBTQ+ community engagement, including his leadership on IGT’s PRIDE and DEI initiatives.
— Jason Smith: chief administrative officer, Boys & Girls Club of Southern Nevada
An HR and DEI professional and nonprofit leaders, Smith offers expertise in culture transformation, strategic operations and inclusive community building.
“These individuals not only represent leadership excellence across sectors; they also embody the values of equity, advocacy and visibility that drive our mission forward,” Wade said. “With their support, we will continue our work to ensure every LGBTQ+ Nevadan is safe, supported, and celebrated.”
To learn more about Silver State Equality, visit silverstateequality.org.
