Berk Communications hires Dustin Sveum as first chief client officer

NEW YORK: Berk Communications has hired Dustin Sveum as its first managing director and chief client officer.

In the newly created role, Sveum will oversee all aspects of the firm’s operations, including growth, technology innovation, marketing and new business, the agency said in a statement.

Additionally, Sveum will be responsible for all of Berk’s human capital, comprising a team of 35 staff, as well as their individual growth. Additionally, he’ll be in charge of client service and managing the integration with MikeWorldWide, making sure the agency is taking advantage of the partner firm’s resources, he said.

Sveum joined Berk in October and reports to Michael Kempner, founder and CEO of MikeWorldWide and chair of Berk Communications.

MikeWorldWide acquired a majority stake in Berk in 2015, but the firm continues to operate as an independent, separate agency. The two agencies share offices and collaborate as their own distinct brands, according to Kempner.

“What’s exciting about Berk is they’re so deeply rooted in sports and entertainment and are well poised to tap into those culture driving elements to create ideas and solutions that move at the speed of culture, which is something that clients are looking for, especially now,” Sveum said. “We live in an attention economy in an omnichannel world and I firmly believe that earned-first thinking is not only necessary, it can be something that lives across channels.”

Berk is approaching $10 million in revenue and, as a result, is going through a natural transition to meet the needs of a firm of that size through broader, more senior talent, Kempner said of the creation of the chief client officer title.