Push Media has appointed Gino Cantalini as the first ever chief brand officer (CBO) in the agency’s 13-year history.

While Push is a media-first agency driven by tech, president and CEO Kyle Verge tells Media in Canada that it’s aiming to strengthen its business, brand and creative strategy.

“We believe the next frontier of marketing will be led by brands that marry technology with storytelling and brands that are distinctive, authentic and emotionally resonant,” Verge says. “Gino’s focus will be helping our clients build and rebuild those foundations, while advancing Push’s own brand in market.”

As CBO, Cantalini will work across Push’s teams to bolster the integration between business and brand strategy and ensure creative and media work together seamlessly.

“Gino’s appointment reinforces our belief that the future belongs to nimble indie agencies that can think like consultants, act like technologists and create like artists,” Verge says. 

Cantalini, who steps into the role on Tuesday, has been collaborating with Push since 2017, first as the head of the agency he co-founded, Giants & Gentlemen, and more recently as a consultant. Verge says he has been “instrumental in guiding how we position ourselves and our clients for growth.” 

“His formal appointment cements that partnership and accelerates our broader vision: to become North America’s leading AI-native independent agency, where creativity, strategy and media all operate as one,” Verge adds. 

Cantalini previously had a stint at Publicis and, prior to joining the agency side, spent nearly two decades in senior leadership roles on the brand side, including VP of marketing at Molson Coors and VP of marketing communications at Telus.

His appointment follows other additions to Push’s senior leadership team. Digital marketer Darren Hardeman, with previous roles at EssenceMediacom Canada, Initiative and Maxus Canada, was appointed VP of strategy, media and AI. And Kirsten Moore, previously of Mindshare and Initiative, has been brought on as VP of client service.

Verge says Cantalini’s arrival marks the beginning of Push’s next chapter in which the agency plans to expand capabilities, launch new platforms and “continue evolving how modern agencies deliver value to clients.”

“We believe the future of the agency business lies at the intersection of AI, technology and human brilliance – that unique strategic and creative nuance that technology alone can’t replicate,” Verge says, adding there are more leadership and growth announcements coming this fall.

Push’s clients include Humber College, Clover Leaf, Bulk Barn and Choice Hotels Group.