The Story Lab Promotes Lisa Eisenpresser & Shannon Pruitt to Co-Leads

In a move fueled by the agency’s growth, The Story Lab, Dentsu Aegis Network’s new model content agency in the U.S., announced today that Lisa Eisenpresser, Co-Founder and Head of Development, and Shannon Pruitt, EVP Strategy and Brand Partnership, have been elevated to co-lead the agency. 

As Co-Leads, Eisenpresser and Pruitt will be responsible for working with brand partners to innovate the way their stories are developed and communicated to create meaningful connections with consumers that are driven by data and insights and measured based on business outcomes.

In addition, The Story Lab has appointed seven new hires to support the agency’s momentum and continue its ongoing strategy to help brands deepen relationships with consumers around content. 

After establishing the agency and expanding its global footprint, Angela Courtin will be stepping down as President of The Story Lab, effective immediately, to focus on her role as President of Dentsu Aegis Network U.S. She will remain involved in the content strategies for The Story Lab’s clients in the U.S. The Story Lab’s impressive client roster includes GM, Macy’s, Pernod Ricard (The Glenlivet, Chivas), Folgers, Adidas, Home Depot and Microsoft. 

“Since we founded The Story Lab, Lisa has helped spur major growth and new business momentum, all while producing unique and compelling original content for our clients. This move is a reflection of her vision and leadership,” said Courtin. “Shannon is a strategic, creative thinker and true leader, and I’m delighted to have her join The Story Lab. I’m confident that their stewardship will continue our impressive growth and successfully guide brands and partners to rethink the way content can be used to make connections with consumers in a convergent world.” 

The Story Lab recently launched an original branded content series for Chivas. An award-winning reality web series for the Esquire Network, “Brotherhood” stars Jason Sudeikis, Bryn Mooser, Brandon Boyd, Nick Fouquet, Maximillan Chow, and Jon Batiste, and carries an inspiring message: success and happiness are about doing what you love and sharing that with your friends. The Story Lab also recently launched “Single Stories,” an original video series featuring Bryan Cranston, Ed Burns, and others cultural luminaries on the Sundance Channel for The Glenlivet. 

The Story Lab also just wrapped production of Motor City Masters, a 10-episode TV series set to air on Tru TV this summer. The competition reality show is a groundbreaking partnership between Chevrolet and Tru TV to find America's next great car designer. Eisenpresser serves as executive producer of the show with Bunim Murray Productions (Project Runway, Real World, Total Divas). Hosted by Brooke Burns (Baywatch, Melrose Place), Motor City Masters brings 10 diverse contestants together with the ambitious task of creating visionary concept cars based on weekly themes from NASCAR to Transformers.

“Today’s brands are seeking new ways to engage their consumers through their habits, passions and social spheres. But as media, technology and devices continue to evolve, making meaningful connections through media dollars alone is more challenging than ever, underscoring the need for an agency partner that can help brands harness the power of content and storytelling – we exist to be that partner to our clients. This is where our business is headed, and I’m thrilled to build on our momentum in 2014,” said Lisa Eisenpresser, Co-Founder and Head of Development, The Story Lab. 

The Story Lab is pleased to welcome John Bernardo as VP, Brand Partnerships and Business Development; Michelle Rutkowski as VP, Brand Partnerships; Travis Freeman as Director of Social Media; Jennifer Han as Senior Director of Strategy & Brand Partnerships; Caitlin McGinty as Development Executive; Kerry Doyle as SVP Global Content, GM; and Susanne Bentley, VP, Strategy & Brand Partnerships, NA. 

“When I joined The Story Lab, I was immediately impressed by the agency’s work in content strategy, entertainment marketing and original storytelling. I’m excited to have this opportunity to reinvent the way brands engage their customers through content, and look forward to great things to come,” said Shannon Pruitt, EVP Strategy and Media Partnerships, The Story Lab.