The Martin Agency wins Adweek’s U.S. agency of the year

Firm saw 30% net growth in 2020

Published December 7, 2020 by Kate Andrews

Richmond-based advertising firm The Martin Agency was named Adweek’s 2020 U.S. agency of the year, the publication announced Monday.

The firm won the Old Navy ad account in February, adding the clothing retailer to a roster of clients that includes GEICO, UPS, Ritz, Oreo and Buffalo Wild Wings. In 2020, Martin posted $22 million or 30% net growth in new and organic revenue, the only U.S.-based finalist to report double-digit growth this year, Adweek says. The agency last won the honor in 2009.

Art by Noah Scalin. Image courtesy The Martin Agency

In an interview with Adweek, Martin Agency CEO Kristen Cavallo attributed the agency’s success to “strategy and hard work,” while also noting that high-level position changes have diversified the company’s leadership, which is now comprised of 50% women and 25% people of color. “We are a living, breathing case study of what happens when you change the ratio of leadership at the top,” Cavallo said.

Adweek named top companies in four categories: Breakthrough, Global, International and U.S.