Independent Advertising Agency KSV Acquired by Employees

4/3/20

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Four long-time employees have purchased independent advertising and marketing agency Kelliher Samets Volk after four decades under the same ownership. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The recent acquisition, effective immediately, has officially put this advertising and marketing consultancy in the hands of Managing Director Erin Fagnant, Chief Creative Officer Kevin Willard, Chief Strategy Officer Tucker Wright and Director of Client Services Rachel Gage.

This team has been actively running the day-to-day operations at KSV as part of a year of transition planning with founders Linda Kelliher and Yoram Samets.

Founded by Linda Kelliher in 1977, KSV has been a creative force ever since. The agency’s client roster over the years has extended from energy to tourism to financial services, giving them the opportunity to provide their swatch of creative and strategic services for both national and regional brands including Seventh Generation, Ben & Jerry’s, Pete & Gerry’s, National Grid, Mass Save, and U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants.

Today, the core focus of KSV is on renewable energy, sustainability and, as a certified B Corp, doing as much good in the world as possible.

“We feel very fortunate to carry on the good work of founders Linda Kelliher and Yoram Samets and partner Tim Volk,” says Fagnant. “Over four decades, through good times and bad, they have demonstrated their commitment to clients and employees, their community, and the planet. We will continue that legacy.”

“This is a bittersweet moment for me, Yoram and Tim,” says Kelliher. “We have poured our hearts and our lives into this agency, to build something of value, with meaning. Now we’re letting go—with complete faith and confidence in the new team.”

About KSV

KSV is a full-service advertising agency and marketing consultancy focused on sustainability. We are a certified woman-owned B Corp and member of MAGNET, the world's most successful network of independently owned agencies. KSV has offices in New York, NY and Burlington, Vt.

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