Sarmiento named Chief Creative Officer at Dieste

Dieste Inc. has named agency executive creative director Ciro Sarmiento its new Chief Creative Officer, effective February 1st. Dieste’s previous Chief Creative Officer Paco Olavarrieta, who will remain with the agency as a “Craft-Maestro”, adding his experience to specific creative projects.

“Ciro is one of the most accomplished creative executives in our field, respected and admired by our team, our clients and praised by his industry peers.  And we felt like he was ready to take the helm of Chief Creative Officer, giving continuity to the great momentum we have as an agency,” said Dieste’s CEO Greg Knipp.

Sarmiento joined Dieste in 2013 as an executive creative director under Olavarrieta’s creative guidance. “When I invited Ciro to join the agency I knew that I had found a potential candidate to succeed me as Dieste’s CCO. And for the last year Greg, Tony Dieste, Ciro and I worked together on a succession plan, giving Ciro all the tools and support needed for a harmonious and successful transition,” said Olavarrieta.

With over 20 years of experience in the U.S., as well as in Latin America, Olavarrieta has created numerous award-winning campaigns, and has a successful track record working with top-notch agencies across the world.  “When I recruited Paco to Dieste in 2011, he told me that what he really wanted was to create, to write again, not to manage, but to develop work for clients. I gave him my word that I would. It took me four years, but I have finally delivered on that promise,” said Knipp.