The Times, a forward-thinking advertising agency, has announced Kristin Barbour as its new President, marking a transformative step in the agency’s evolution. Barbour also becomes a partner at The Times, joining forces with Angie Aguilera, the agency’s COO and majority owner.
These moves position The Times to achieve certification as a minority- and female-owned business, with women making up 75% of its C-suite leadership.
This progressive shift underscores the agency’s mission to modernize the advertising industry by championing diversity as the core of creativity.
A Visionary Leader
Barbour brings an impressive track record of industry achievements to The Times. A veteran creative executive, she has built and managed interdisciplinary teams that deliver breakthrough campaigns, client wins, and cultural resonance. Her career highlights include:
- Playing a key role in DDB Worldwide’s historic acquisition of the McDonald’s account in 1997.
- Earning Ad Age’s Marketer of the Year award for launching the iconic “I’m Lovin’ It!” campaign for McDonald’s.
- Revitalizing Papa John’s brand image as Managing Director at Camp+King, driving an unprecedented turnaround that helped the agency earn Ad Age’s Best Small Agency of the Year.
Barbour’s passion for fostering authentic connections and championing bold ideas aligns perfectly with The Times’ ethos. Her leadership style empowers teams to push creative boundaries, ensuring that brands resonate deeply with consumers.
A New Chapter for The Times
In its fifth year, The Times is on the cutting edge of reimagining what an advertising agency can be. Its innovative approach integrates cultural relevance, diversity, and collaboration into every aspect of its operations. This vision has attracted major brands like Airbnb, Foot Locker, White Claw, Hershey, State Farm, DoorDash, Hulu, and AutoZone.
Barbour expressed her enthusiasm for joining The Times, stating: “Advertising is at a crossroads. This isn’t a moment for iterative evolution; it’s a moment for a revolutionary cultural shift. The Times was born future-proofed. From the talent we curate to the insights we offer our clients, we’re building the agency of the future in an industry that’s desperate for reinvention.”
Jason Peterson, CEO of The Times, praised Barbour’s fearless leadership and creative vision: “Kristin embodies the dauntless spirit of The Times. Her energy inspires creativity and drive, and her talent as a leader is unmatched. We’re fortunate to have her leading us into the next era.”
The Times has earned its reputation as a disruptor in the advertising world, moving beyond traditional models to create campaigns that are deeply rooted in culture and authenticity. Its Internet Super Highway strategy practice equips brands with the tools to navigate cultural trends and forge meaningful connections with consumers.
The Times stands as a beacon for the future of advertising, where creativity meets culture and diversity fuels innovation. With Kristin Barbour at the helm, the agency is poised to redefine what it means to connect brands with people in a way that resonates, inspires, and lasts.