Barkley Hires Matt Pruett and Chris Cima as Creative Directors

Kansas City-based agency Barkley announced today that creative veterans Matt Pruett (left) and Chris Cima (right) have been hired as creative directors. 

"We are so lucky to have Matt and Chris at Barkley,” said Katy Hornaday, EVP and Executive Creative Director at Barkley. “They have that rare combination of being strong leaders as well as excellent creatives. We’re already a better agency for having them here."

Prior to Barkley, Cima was a Creative Director at Victors & Spoils and R/GA, where he led teams on Royal Caribbean, Crocs, Verizon and The New York Times. Earlier in his career he worked at TM Advertising, where he held the challenging task of rebranding American Airlines after 9/11. At Barkley, Chris works as Creative Director on Spirit Airlines, Missouri Lottery, Britax, WaWa, and Big O Tires.

“I left Texas and chose Barkley because of the people and the work that they’re making,” Cima said.   

Pruett joined Barkley from Olson and previously worked at Carmichael Lynch and Colle+McVoy, on a wide range of clients including Subaru, Jack Link's Snacks, Indian Motorcycle, and Bissell Floor Care. In his Creative Director role at Barkley, he helps lead efforts on Dairy Queen, Russell Athletic and Dice and helps drive new business. 

“I was pumped to join Barkley because they're an innovative, independent agency with a midwestern work ethic,” said Pruett. “And, they have a rocket ship on their roof. That's a first for me.”