Special US Reunites Kasia Canning and Estefanio Holtz as Co-ECDs in New York

​Special US has reunited creative partners Kasia Canning and Estefanio Holtz, appointing the pair as co-executive creative directors in New York.

The duo previously worked together at BBH, where they were named the world’s most awarded creative team by The One Show in 2022 for their work on Google Black-Owned Friday. They will report to Special US co-chief creative officers Matthew Woodhams-Roberts and David Horton, and work closely with Shannon Nunn, president of Special New York.

“Kasia and Estefanio are exceptional creative leaders individually, but what they produce together is rare,” said Matthew and David. “Their partnership has proven its ability to deliver culturally resonant, highly crafted work at a global level. Bringing them together again in New York strengthens our creative leadership at a pivotal moment for the agency.”

Kasia joins Special US from Ogilvy New York, where she most recently served as executive creative director, leading work for Google Pixel, Verizon, Walmart and Premier Protein. Her previous roles include executive creative director at BBH New York and a stint at Maximum Effort. Her work on ING’s The Next Rembrandt earned two Cannes Lions Grand Prix, and she has been a finalist for Ad Age Creative of the Year. She is also an active mentor through Cannes Lions See It Be It and D&AD Shift.

Kasia said the move reflects both the strength of independent agencies right now and the creative alignment she shares with Holtz.

"All eyes are on the independent shops right now, and we're joining Special at a time of tremendous momentum,” said Kasia. “Estefanio and I share a creative shorthand and common vision for what great work looks like – bringing that chemistry to an independent powerhouse like Special lets us move fast without losing focus on craft.”

She added that returning to a long-standing creative partnership, within the right environment, was a key draw. “I'm thrilled at the opportunity to work with Estefanio again and to join an agency where the team and creative vision truly live up to the name. We're excited to help it grow and give all those eyeballs something spectacular to look at."

Estefanio joins from BBH New York, where he was most recently promoted to head of creative. A multidisciplinary creative, art director and designer, he has led work for brands including Google, Netflix, Samsung, Heineken, Coca-Cola and BMW. His recent work includes Samsung’s Uncrush campaign and Patrón’s Censored Truth, both recognised for their cultural impact.

He said the agency’s creative philosophy and independent model were central to his decision. “Like pretty much everyone in this industry, I’ve admired Special’s work for a long time,” he said. “Few agencies blend cultural insight and craft so sharply and so simply. I’m in love with their philosophy, and I couldn’t be more excited to return to an independent agency.”

Reuniting with Kasia was also a key factor. “To work with Kasia again and collaborate with such an incredible group of talented – and genuinely nice – people makes this a really special moment.”

The appointments add senior creative leadership to Special US’ New York office following a year of growth. In 2025, the indie agency doubled its US team and expanded its client roster to 14 brands, including Instagram, Bumble, Target, One World and Meta, while continuing long-term partnerships with Fox Sports, Hanes and Uber Eats.

Read about more US agency moves here.

​Read more from Addison Capper here.