Indie agency Drake Cooper has hired media veteran Kyle Acquistapace as its Executive Media Director, a new position. Acquistapace brings more than 30 years of agency media leadership to Drake Cooper. He has built and led media practices at some of the most respected agencies in the country, managed billions in billings, and helped define what modern media strategy looks like for leading consumer brands.
As Executive Media Director, Kyle will oversee Drake Cooper’s entire media practice: strategy, planning, buying and team development. His appointment comes on the heels of an expanding media client roster at the agency and surging media billings, which increased 163% in six years, reflecting more media billings than at any point in the agency’s 48-year history.
“Our exponential growth in media services demands a new kind of leadership,” said President John Drake. “It demands someone who has scaled media practices at the highest levels: national agencies, premium brands, complex multi-channel environments. Someone who brings the strategic vision to carry us through the next phase of growth. That person is Kyle Acquistapace. We are delighted to have him join our exceptional team and look forward to his efforts at expanding Drake Cooper’s footprint across every channel.”
“There’s a structural shift in the advertising industry and Drake Cooper has been living this story,” said Acquistapace. “Independent and regional agencies are growing. Brands are looking toward more nimble agencies that know their markets, know their clients, and can be transparent in ways the big firms no longer are. I’m truly excited about helping drive and evolve the first-class media practice at this pioneering independent agency forward into the future.”
An Effie Award winner for media innovation, Acquistapace was previously Chief Media Officer at Publicis Groupe’s Team One, where he oversaw 100+ professionals across media, analytics, experiential marketing, and public relations at a full-service agency specializing in luxury and aspirational brands. Prior to Team One, Acquistapace led media and analytics for 16 years at Deutsch LA as Partner & Director of Media & Data Strategy, for a diverse client roster spanning automotive, technology, and travel. His impressive resume also includes a nine-year tenure (2007–2016) as Adjunct Professor, USC Annenberg School of Communications, teaching a full-semester course in Media Planning and Analytics.
