BarkleyOKRP Appoints Katy Hornaday as CEO

BarkleyOKRP, one of the largest independent full-service agencies in the United States, has announced the appointment of award-winning creative director Katy Hornaday as chief executive officer. She succeeds Jeff King, who has served as CEO since 2009 and will continue in a new role as founding partner. The agency also named Nate Swift as president, further shaping its next generation of leadership.

“Katy has been a huge part of our success for more than a decade,” said Jeff. “She’s a smart, empathetic and creative problem solver with all the instincts of a great leader. As we’ve been planning for BarkleyOKRP’s long-term growth and continued success, her elevation was obvious. No one could be more prepared or inspiring to lead our agency and our clients into the future.”

Katy became chief creative officer in January 2020. Under her leadership, the agency saw significant growth, reported impressive year-over-year revenue gains and added clients including Planet Fitness, Smoothie King, and Frontier Airlines. In 2018, she launched FUEL, the agency’s digital content studio, which has grown into a powerhouse of more than 80 creators. Hornaday also played a key role in the 2024 merger of Barkley and OKRP, which has further strengthened the agency's position as a leader in the industry.

Katy will now lead more than 700 team members across BarkleyOKRP’s offices in Kansas City, Chicago, Austin, Denver, and New York City. As CEO, she will guide an integrated leadership team focused on scaling the agency’s Big Indie model.

Before joining BarkleyOKRP, she held creative roles at Crispin Porter + Bogusky and Mullen, quickly earning a reputation as a bold thinker and builder of high-performing teams. Her industry recognition includes Adweek’s Creative 100 and Business Insider’s 30 Most Creative People Under 30.

"I have loved this agency since I walked in the doors over 13 years ago,” said Katy. “I'm endlessly proud of all we've accomplished in the last decade but bullish that we are just getting started. To lead an indie agency on a mission to redefine what an indie can and should look like is, well, a dream."

“Katy’s that rare two-sport star - a proven creative leader who also has a strong command of the business side,” added Tom O’Keefe, fellow founding partner. “Her elevation to CEO is not just deserved - it’s the best move for BarkleyOKRP’s future.”

A key collaborator guiding the agency’s future is Nate Swift, who will oversee cross-agency integration as president. Nate will drive innovation for the connection and seamless delivery of BarkleyOKRP’s broad suite of services across strategy, creative, and media. He joined the agency in 2012 and has since held a range of roles, most recently serving as chief marketing officer. Nate has led award-winning strategy work for Burger King, Metro by T-Mobile, and other key accounts.

A search for the agency’s next chief creative officer is underway.

In addition to Jeff and Tom transitioning into founding partner roles, fellow founding partners Dan Fromm and Nick Paul will do the same. Together, they will remain actively involved in driving client success, supporting agency growth, and mentoring the next generation of leadership.