The Brand Leader, A Brand-First Creative Agency, Bolsters Leadership with New Hire; Onboards new client

September 13, 2023

Sr. Director of PR and Integrated Marketing: Kelly Blake New Client: Ventura County Coast

GREENVILLE, SC – September 13, 2023 /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – In a strategic move designed to bolster its position as a leader in creative branding and integrated marketing, Greenville-based The Brand Leader (TBL) is pleased to announce two major developments. The agency has welcomed seasoned professional Kelly Blake as its new Sr. Director of PR and Integrated Marketing. TBL also has been selected as the Agency of Record for Ventura County Coast (VCC), a California-based organization that promotes tourism in Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, and Port Hueneme, CA.

Kelly Blake brings with her a wealth of experience in public relations and marketing, adding a new layer of expertise to The Brand Leader’s already robust service offerings. Kyle Duford, president and executive creative director of The Brand Leader, who knew Blake from her Under Armour TransRockies Run days, said, “Bringing Kelly Blake into our team feels like a chess grandmaster finding that perfect move. Our past interactions during my freelance journalism days made it clear that her expertise would one day align brilliantly with our goals.

Today, that alignment has become a reality.” Blake expressed her perspective on her new position: “Joining The Brand Leader is more than stepping into a new role; it’s reuniting with creative experts who share a common vision and returning to my integrated marketing experience. I’m eager to contribute to the agency’s ongoing mission of creating and partnering with iconic brands.”

The agency’s CEO Geoff Wasserman also added his voice to the announcements: “The addition of Kelly to our team amplifies our ability to provide deep, strategic insights and actionable solutions. She’s the catalyst we’ve been seeking for our next phase of growth.”

In addition to Blake’s appointment, The Brand Leader will now serve as the Agency of Record for Ventura County Coast. This partnership is aimed at promoting tourism and local ventures in Ventura County, California. Duford commented on this new alliance: “Taking on Ventura County Coast as a client feels like discovering an untapped well of narrative gold. Their goals harmonize with our agency’s mission, and we’re keen on making that story resonate on an international scale.”

Brian Tucker, president & CEO at Ventura County Lodging Association said, “The collaboration with The Brand Leader and their expertise to support our storytelling through branding, ad and asset creation, digital and social media work, plus experiential design is the perfect combination to elevate our brand presence and create memorable experiences for our guests. We eagerly anticipate the results from this partnership with The Brand Leader and know the innovative and transformative end product will undoubtedly set a new standard in the hospitality industry.”

About The Brand Leader:

Headquartered in Greenville, SC, The Brand Leader specializes in transforming companies, products, and ideas into iconic brands. The agency offers comprehensive services, ranging from brand strategy to digital marketing from their offices in Greenville and New York. https://thebrandleader.com

About Ventura County Coast:

Ventura County Coast (VCC) is a tourism brand encompassing the California cities of Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura and Port Hueneme. The brand is administered by the Ventura County Lodging Association (VCLA) comprised of more than 60 lodging partners and destination marketing organizations seeking to attract overnight business and leisure visitors to the region.

Media Contact:

Kelly Blake

The Brand Leader

kelly@thebrandleader.com