Seasoned branding and creative executive joins as agency accelerates strategic growth and integrated solutions
January 12, 2026 (Greenville, SC) — The Brand Leader, a strategy-led, digitally powered brand agency, has appointed Michael Catanzaro as President & Chief Brand Officer. Catanzaro will guide the agency’s strategic growth, brand leadership, and business operations as client demand continues to rise for integrated, performance-driven brand experiences.
With more than two decades of experience building brands, leading creative organizations, and driving growth across categories, Catanzaro will oversee the agency’s brand strategy, creative direction, and content production. His appointment reflects The Brand Leader’s continued momentum, fueled by expanded digital capabilities and data-informed storytelling across consumer categories including alcohol beverage, wine and spirits, lifestyle, and retail.
Catanzaro brings a rare combination of deep agency leadership and client-side experience. Over the course of his career, he has led brand and creative work for global companies including ASICS—where he spent more than a decade building the brand and earning multiple Cannes Lions and One Show Pencil awards—along with Petco, Boston Scientific, Adidas Golf, Disney, Marvel, Monster Energy, among others.
He later moved client-side as Global Head of Brand and Creative at MoneyGram, where he built and led a global in-house agency supporting multiple business units and complex brand initiatives, blending world-class talent with modern operating models and innovation.
“Michael brings both agency and client-side expertise, offering a unique perspective into what brands demand in an AI-enabled marketplace,” said Geoff Wasserman, CEO and Founder of The Brand Leader. “His track record of building world-class teams and driving innovation will accelerate our growth plan. His leadership positions us for continued success in our mission to deliver transformative brand experiences for our clients.”
Catanzaro will work closely with the agency’s leadership team to advance The Brand Leader’s integrated brand, creative, and performance capabilities.
“The Brand Leader has built a strong foundation of strategic thinking and creative execution, anchored by a talented team and a shared commitment to building impactful brands.” said Michael Catanzaro. “ I look forward to leading the agency’s next stage of growth, deepening the value we deliver for current clients while building new partnerships with brands that share our ambition.”
About The Brand Leader
Founded in 1999, The Brand Leader is a strategy-led, digitally powered brand agency where consumer insight, creativity, and performance meet. The agency specializes in strategy, branding, creative, web development, and digital marketing. Headquartered in Greenville, SC, with offices in New York and team members across the U.S., The Brand Leader partners with brands of all sizes to build emotional connections and unforgettable experiences.