OUR STORY
Like the Santa Monica lifeguard tower we’re named after, we provide guardianship for our clients as they navigate the wondrous waters of localization. Founded by long-time international advertising executives, we set out to democratize the global agency network of creative industry professionals by offering all brands and agencies the opportunity to scale with high-caliber global and in-market talent by their side — without having to pay the premium for infrastructure and full time. To us, there are no foreign markets.
Leadership Team
Erin Emmerson
CEO, Founder
Erin has been a part of the evolving global advertising industry for last 15 years. Her goal is to foster an environment where top creative minds can make incredible work, not just within the four walls of an office, but across timezones, borders and specialties. Before founding Tower 28, Erin put into practice this art of global collaboration working as an Account Director at TBWA\Media Arts Lab, bringing to life Apple’s iconic Shot on iPhone campaign and countless other international initiatives for the brand. Other global brands she’s helped include: Google / YouTube, Vizio, LG Electronics, Symantec, Jabra and more.
Fun Fact: She has traveled to over 30 countries and probably has her next trip already in the works.
Kelsey Cross
President, Founder
Kelsey believes that expanding our understanding of different cultures, methods, and disciplines enriches our perspective, making us better creators, better communicators, and better people. She’s applied this belief as an account leader building dynamic teams to serve global clients over the past decade. Before founding Tower 28, Kelsey was an Account Director at TBWA\Media Arts Lab where she launched over 16 new product campaigns across iPhone, iPad, and Mac on a global and local scale. She's also worked on P&G Global for Tide/Ariel and spent time as a professional photographer.
Fun Fact: She’s never eaten lobster she hasn’t caught herself.
David Young
Global Executive Creative Director
During 9 years at TBWA\Media Arts Lab, David both originated US work and led the creative localization efforts at across Apple’s full product range, working on some of their most iconic global campaigns. He has also made work for the Emerson Collective, Frank Gehry Partners and the BBC, among others.
Fun Fact: David writes short stories. Strictly one hundred words or less.
Marisa Picmann
Global Account Lead
Marisa is a seasoned account director having worked across many global brands, including Apple and Samsung, at TBWA, Leo Burnett, BBDO, RQ Agency, and more over the past decade with her signature mid-western grit & charm.
Fun Fact: Marisa has sung on stage at Carnegie Hall
Sara Azadi
Global Strategy Lead
Sara served as EVP, Managing Director of Strategy and Digital at Edelman. Through her 20-year career, she's helped a diverse range of brands, from Starbucks to Sephora, by creating bespoke marketing strategies for an ever-evolving global media landscape.
Fun Fact: Sara collects taxidermy bugs