Tampa ad agency welcomes new creative director

David Smail has joined PPK, a Tampa advertising agency, in the role of creative director.

According to a news release, Smail has spent his entire career in advertising. He founded and owned a BBDO office in Vietnam and was an advertising professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder, in addition to working in various freelance roles. He has done creative work for major brands including PepsiCo, Nike, Twitter, Dove, Harley Davidson, Jim Beam, Kodak and FedEx.

At PPK, the release states, Smail will oversee a team of 19 staff members working on the Bridgestone Retail Operations account. Tire maker Bridgestone has been a PPK client for 14 years.

“I’m as giddy as all get out to be a part of PPK and have the opportunity to contribute to their spectacular culture and growth,” Smail states in the release. “It’s an amazing time in the industry to be a fiercely independent shop — and they are all that and more. It’s going to be fun.”

In his new role, Smail will report to PPK Executive Creative Director Paul Prato, who states, in the release, “David’s background is that of a brand storyteller, entrepreneur and teacher. A combination of talents perfectly suited to developing work that captivates and is remembered. We’re excited to add his international perspective to our growing creative team.”