CALLEN Welcomes David Terry and Paola Ortega

​CALLEN has named David Terry as its first-ever chief strength officer and Paola Ortega as strategy director. These hires come on the heels of tremendous growth for the Austin-based creative agency, which doubled between 2023 and 2024 – with momentum only increasing in 2025.

“We’ve had a tremendous year, with our revenue increasing 117%. Earlier in 2025, we welcomed Jess Monsey as its first-ever – and the industry’s inaugural – chief opportunity officer and Mike Davidson as head of production on the heels of five new business wins, including Vera Bradley, Nutpods, and New Era,” said David Hughes, partner and president at CALLEN. “Now, we’re seeing a big enhancement in our strategy department – and the industry-leading philosophy that drives it – with David and Paola coming on board.”

In his newly created role, David will lead the agency’s strategic vision, helping brands identify and build around their core beliefs. He joins CALLEN from COLLINS, where he served as executive strategy director, and previously spent more than a decade as head of strategy at Wieden+Kennedy, helping create global campaigns for iconic brands including Nike, Coca-Cola, Weight Watchers, P&G Olympics, KFC, and Old Spice. His new title, Chief Strength Officer, marks an industry first predicated on a belief in harnessing strategy toward an impactful end.

“I've already been a chief strategy officer at two different great ad agencies, and I don't like repeating myself. I can’t say I have a passion for strategy, especially when it gets in its own way. As I see it, the point of strategy is to get to the top of the mountain – not stand around looking at a map,” said David. “I’m excited to work with like-minded people at CALLEN to build strong brands that people want to hang out with.”

Meanwhile, Paola will blend creative excellence, cultural insights, and business leadership to help CALLEN’s clients build lasting brands. She joins from Quality Meats, having held prior strategy roles at BBH USA and DDB. Throughout her career, Paola has helped global brands like Fanta and Heineken reignite their presence, brought brands like Coors Light back into the cultural zeitgeist, and led brand-defining work for legacy icons like Barbie.

“I’m joining a crazy talented crew of humans behind some of the most transformational work in our industry. It doesn’t get any better than that,” said Paola.

Both executives begin their new roles immediately.