Tombras Hires Paul Caiozzo as Chief Creative Officer, Knoxville

From l to r: Jeff Benjamin, Milla Stolte, Dooley Tombras, Kelsey Karson, Paul Caiozzo, Avinash Baliga

Tombras is announcing the appointment of Paul Caiozzo as chief creative officer of the agency’s Knoxville headquarters. Paul – who has held leadership positions at top agencies like Crispin Porter Bogusky and Goodby Silverstein & Partners, and most recently co-founded AI-driven agency Supernatural – joins the growing agency, further cementing Knoxville, TN as its centre of gravity.

With Caiozzo coming on board as CCO, Knoxville, Jeff Benjamin will be elevated to Global CCO as Tombras continues to eye international expansion on the heels of acquiring Argentina hotshop Niña in August; and Milla Stolte will be promoted to EVP, Head of Strategy, Knoxville.

In addition, as the agency gains scale in its NYC office, Avinash Baliga will be promoted to CCO, NY and Kelsey Karson joins as EVP, head of strategy, NY. 

Under Benjamin and Baliga’s leadership, Tombras has continued to gain creative momentum delivering stand out work this year, like launching an airline for dogs with BARK Air; creating the first AI-powered billboard for Google using Gemini and a PODS truck; and helping Sweethearts Candies win Valentine’s Day by reinventing itself for a new generation. They also played a key role in landing new business wins like Spirit Airlines and Kellanova.

Dooley Tombras, president of Tombras said, “As we continue to grow and scale, we are sending a message that further cements our roots in Tennessee. We became a truly national agency with our expansion in New York, and we are beginning our global expansion in Argentina with Niña – but Knoxville is, and always will be, the heart and soul of this agency. It says a lot that a world-class talent like Paul would recognise the creative power and unique culture that our agency, and Knoxville, has to offer. We are continuing to attract the best creative talent in the industry, and this is just the beginning.”

Paul Caiozzo said, “If you’re looking for outsider creative thinking, the kind that reaches people and cuts through the noise of the ordinary, you have to look outside the usual places. I was as drawn to the energy of Tombras as I was to the energy of Knoxville itself.”

Jeff Benjamin said, “Buckle up, friends – I’m fired up for Knoxville, for Tombras, and for what lies ahead. Having worked with Paul before and then watching him from afar, I’ve seen first hand his pioneering spirit and drive for some of the most exciting, breakthrough work in the industry. And just like Avi, Paul brings an unapologetic love for advertising, not just as a creative force, but as a catalyst for real business impact. Together, they’re setting a new standard that inspires and challenges us all.”