Cactus Welcomes Two Executive Hires

Heading into its 35th anniversary, Cactus has one goal in mind - growth. The full-service creative agency is looking to diversify its client roster while doubling down on the agency’s behaviour change expertise. Brian O’Connell has joined the agency as group strategy director and Jill Kelleman has come aboard as executive growth director.

Brian O’Connell brings over 20 years of experience in strategy and brand planning roles from agencies like Fortnight Collective, SRG, CP+B, Integer/TBWA, Arnold Worldwide, and Hill Holliday. His brand strategy experience spans clients like McDonald’s, MillerCoors, Dunkin’ Donuts, Hotels.com, Microsoft, and more.

Brian's most high-profile work includes the 'Captain Obvious' strategy for Hotels.com while at CP+B, and more recently led strategy on the 'Steamboat Way' campaign at Fortnight Collective.

"I'm excited to work with the sharpest pros I know,” says Brian. “The Cactus creative department is a hit parade of sharp ideas. We all know what great creativity is and how to get to it. There's no better feeling than to hit the ground running to make immediate impact for our clients."

Jill Kelleman was tapped to lead the agency’s growth efforts - and brings a 20+ year career in brand marketing, account management and business development.

Jill got her start in NYC in Donna Karan’s in-house creative department, but fell in love with the agency side while working in Chicago on global brands for Havas and IPG.

After moving to Colorado and leading client partnerships in agencies like CP+B, Victors & Spoils and Made, she knew she’d found her place - both geographically, but also in creative shops that championed the power of a big idea to change behaviour.

“I've followed Cactus for years, and I’m thrilled to join a team I’ve always admired,” Jill says. “There’s a great mix of familiar faces and fresh energy, all driven by a clear sense of purpose. The talent and ambition here are undeniable - ideas build quickly and creativity that works is always the priority. There are tremendous growth opportunities for Cactus and brave brands with big ambitions.”

“Cactus has seen outstanding growth the past several years, but we’re ready for what’s next, notes Cactus president and CMO, Jeff Graham. “By bringing on a growth pro like Jill, we’re excited to partner with clients in our key verticals and make inroads with national brands. And with Brian leading our strategy group, and driving our Belief & Behaviour Design strategic work process, he’ll elevate our team’s abilities to apply behaviour change thinking to solve client business problems.”