Walton Isaacson Expands Leadership Team

Walton Isaacson (WI), the Los Angeles-based full-service advertising and marketing agency known for its innovative, inclusive, and transformative ideas, today announced significant leadership additions and organisational growth.

Christine Villanueva, Ph.D. rejoins Walton Isaacson as EVP, brand, strategy, and growth, while Tony Santabarbara steps into the role of chief financial officer. Concurrently, the agency has promoted 16 staff members across a range of departments, reflecting Walton Isaacson’s ongoing commitment to investing in talent at every level.

Villanueva Returns to Helm Strategic Vision and Growth

Dr. Villanueva, who previously served as Walton Isaacson’s chief strategy and brand officer from 2016 to 2021, brings with her a deep knowledge of the agency’s heritage and values. In her newly created role as EVP, brand, strategy, and growth, Villanueva will spearhead the agency’s strategic vision while playing a key role in expanding the firm’s roster of blue-chip clients.

After departing WI in 2021, Villanueva joined Universal McCann (UM), part of IPG Mediabrands, as U.S. chief strategy officer. There, she oversaw strategy, thought leadership, marketing, and management. In 2023, she launched Foxtail Strategy LLC, a consultancy focused on brand strategy. Now, returning to Walton Isaacson, Villanueva will leverage her broad experience in media, marketing, and global brand strategy to deliver industry-first approaches that drive both immediate results and long-term growth for clients. She is based in New York.

Santabarbara to Lead Financial Operations

Walton Isaacson also welcomes Tony Santabarbara as chief financial officer. Santabarbara’s extensive background includes seven years in finance roles at WPP’s GroupM, the world’s largest media investment group. At GroupM, he served as global CFO for Performance Media Group and global CFO for Essence before most recently holding the position of U.S. CFO for EssenceMediacom. Prior to that, Santabarbara spent 18 years at Fox in finance and operations leadership roles.

Santabarbara succeeds Bill Braunstein, who joined Walton Isaacson as CFO in 2012 and will continue to collaborate with the agency in a advisory capacity. Braunstein, whose career in financial management spans more than four decades, founded The Braunstein Company in 1980. Through a series of successful mergers and acquisitions, he helped build it into a global business representing top talent across entertainment, media, and production.

Talent Promotions Reflect Agency Momentum

In addition to its new executive appointments, Walton Isaacson has promoted 16 team members across multiple departments. The promotions underscore the agency’s commitment to recognising and nurturing talent from within, fostering a culture of professional development, and meeting the evolving needs of clients in an ever-changing marketplace.

Promotions include: Rosemarie Sanchez from VP of media to SVP of Media; Amanda Lewensky from group account director to VP, group account director; Diori Thomas from creative director to VP, creative director; Kevin Simcox from creative director to VP, creative director; Eric Roybal from director of PM to VP of project management; Keisha Dixon from director to executive director, experiential, and Humberto Belli from creative director to senior creative director. 

“This is an exciting moment for Walton Isaacson. Christine’s strategic leadership and Tony’s financial expertise will help us deliver transformational results for our clients,” said Aaron Walton, CEO at Walton Isaacson. “At the same time, we’re grateful to Bill for all his years of business building and proud to elevate so many of our existing team members, whose passion and creativity fuel our success every day.”