NOVATO, CA – With industry forecasts indicating an uptick in market consolidation this year, Kiosk – the full-service agency founded by Claire Garvie and Munir Haddad – announced the addition of David Neugebauer as Executive Vice President, Strategy. Neugebauer brings a profound expertise in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) that will enhance the agency’s service offerings.
Haddad says, “At Kiosk, we recognize that a lack of transparency and misalignment in branding and market positioning can hinder consolidation success. Our commitment is to tackle these challenges head-on. With David joining our team, we strengthen our M&A program, as his extensive experience is fundamental to ensuring strategic alignment in transactions. With Kiosk’s background spanning a diverse array of brands, from Fortune 100 leaders to innovative startups, we bring valuable clarity to the complexities that can arise post-deal.”
David’s experience includes transforming the Interbrand SF agency from 2 to 50 people and founding Salt Branding, a firm he co-led for over 20 years before selling to a Private equity-backed company. He specializes in “connecting the dots” throughout the M&A process, emphasizing the need for transparency and meticulous scrutiny.
Neugebauer says, “As I take on the role of EVP Strategy, I am committed to delivering solutions that encompass every aspect of the M&A process. Not only have I assisted other companies through the M&A process, but I’ve lived it firsthand myself. I plan to use my experience as both operator and practitioner with a hands-on approach to building teams, crafting strategies, and establishing performance metrics. Our integrated approach will align branding initiatives with operational strategies and drive meaningful outcomes.”
Brand M&A Expertise:
As the economy enters a period of change and consolidation, Kiosk will leverage David’s expertise to effectively address common challenges in M&A transactions. His knowledge will showcase the agency’s exceptional value in executing initiatives tackling overt complexities and hidden issues during the integration phase.
Haddad notes a recent merger exposed a cautionary tale: four months after sealing the deal, the merged companies discovered platform incompatibilities that threatened to limit their ability to execute their entire strategic vision. The conflict laid bare a critical truth about corporate marriages – what looks promising on paper requires work post-integration to unlock the value.
“Many companies entering the M&A landscape encounter significant challenges, including inadequate transparency and branding misalignment,” Haddad notes. “By offering a strategic approach that accounts for these variables, Kiosk is uniquely positioned to assist our clients in achieving successful outcomes in their M&A endeavors.”
