CEDAR KNOLLS, N.J., June 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Full-service advertising, branding and public relations agency Brushfire, Inc. was acquired by data-driven direct marketing strategy firm Marketsmith, Inc. in January and has been positioned along with Marketsmith under the new “Marketplace” umbrella. The company has since been getting a makeover with an eye to the future and the ability to harness the data mined by its new sister company to create even more insightful work.

Marketsmith president Jill Draper has been named to the same post for Brushfire as well, and has brought on board two seasoned executives to help lead the charge: EVP, Client Services Enterprise Clients, Lois Marks and Executive Creative Director, Larry Durst.

Marks, who previously held senior leadership roles at companies such as Geometry Global, Momentum Worldwide and Aspen Marketing Services, will focus on the development of innovative omnichannel strategies and campaigns, driving strategic thinking to evolve the marketing mix, and ensuring growth across all brands, markets, and channels. She will also take ownership of the staff’s professional development and readiness via a concerted training effort.

“Lois is a seasoned leader with an outstanding track record for building teams, winning and nurturing client relationships, and recognizing great talent. She’s perfect for our team,” said Draper, adding, “and with Larry’s years of experience driving award-winning creative work across all channels, we are confident that we are putting together a winning team.”

Durst has held a number of executive positions at top agencies including OgilvyAction and Einson Freeman. During his award-winning career he has worked with big names such as Kraft, Unilever, American Express, Sears, NASCAR and McDonald’s to name a few. The multi-channel programs he designed for some of the world’s best-known brands, including IBM, MasterCard, Maxwell House, and Purell have garnered him prestigious peer and industry recognition with multiple Clio, Reggie and World Pro awards.

Durst is charged with spearheading Brushfire’s overall creative strategy, inspiring memorable creative executions as well as driving innovation and collaboration across the organization. His first task has been to rebrand the agency with a forward thinking new logo design and website.

“The addition of Larry and our new site reflect the two most important things at our agencies: the people that work here and the work they produce,” says Marketsmith, Inc. founder and new Brushfire owner Monica C. Smith, adding, “we think we come out ahead on both.”

About The Marketplace
The Marketplace is at the intersection of powerful, fact-based data, game-changing insights and breakthrough creative. It’s where three proven industry leading organizations – all built on a foundation of innovation and the pursuit of excellence – live, work and collaborate together under one roof: strategic marketing firm Marketsmith, Inc.; award-winning creative agency, Brushfire Inc.; and groundbreaking programmatic media measurement and optimization platform, i.Predictus.

Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150601/220065LOGO

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/award-winning-ad-agency-brushfire-inc-realigns-for-the-future-300092230.html

SOURCE Brushfire, Inc.