(KANSAS CITY) – Barkley has hired I.V. Whitman as VP, Director of Account Planning. Whitman will oversee consumer analysis, brand studies and trend tracking for the account planning specialty on all Barkley brands, including Sonic Drive-In, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Cellular One, Lee Jeans and Blue Bunny ice cream. He will report to Jeff King, President, Barkley. Whitman replaces Knox Duncan, SVP, Account Planning Director.

Whitman most recently served as Director of Account Planning at Stone Ward, as well as launched Explore! magazine in 2000. The national publication, aimed at kids aged 9—14, received a Children’s Media Award by the Parent’s Guide to Children’s Media. Prior to Stone Ward and Explore!, Whitman held account planning posts at Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, Leo Burnett and Euro RSCG, where he worked with brands including Hewlett-Packard, Kellogg’s, and Proctor & Gamble’s Head & Shoulders®.

“Barkley places a heavy emphasis on account planning and its role in shaping great work,” said Brian Brooker, CEO and Chief Creative Officer, Barkley. “I.V. balances his astute creative mindset with a unique understanding of consumer attitudes to glean valuable insights. He’ll be an integral member of the Barkley team.”

“I am continually intrigued by shifts in consumer behavior,” said Whitman. “I was attracted to Barkley’s shared passion for account planning and their encouragement to explore best-in-class research practices.”
 

About Barkley:
Barkley is the largest employee-owned agency of its kind. Founded in 1964, the company has 300 partners offering a full range of marketing communications services including advertising, public relations, cause branding, sponsorships & events, relationship marketing, design, media planning & buying, motion graphics, research and interactive marketing. Barkley is headquartered in Kansas City with field offices across the nation.