EXCLUSIVE: Blink49 Studios is expanding its brand studio business with a pair of hires.
Elizabeth Firth has been named Senior VP, Partnerships & Commercial Strategy, based out of New York, while Melissa Lacks becomes Senior Director, Sales, Brand.
Firth, who comes across from influencer marketing giant Influential, will report to Adam Puchalsky, the President of Blink49’s Brand Studio, who joined last year having previously worked at Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat.
Among Firth’s duties will be expanding brand-funded entertainment initiatives through partnerships with brands and creative partners.
She also counts a long spell at UM Worldwide among her roles, and is known for working on large-scale influencer program for major brands such as PepsiCo, American Express, Marriott, Coca-Cola, Mastercard, Sony, and British Airways.
“Elizabeth brings exactly the kind of experience we need as we build Blink49’s Brand Studio,” said Puchalsky. “She has a proven track record of creating smart partnerships, navigating the media landscape, and developing programs that connect brand ambition with culturally impactful, premium storytelling. As we continue to grow, her leadership will be critical in helping us deliver entertainment that creates value for both audiences and partners.”
Firth said she was joining Blink49 at “a real inflection point for our industry,” adding, “Audiences are discovering content in new ways, fundamentally changing the relationship between entertainment, talent, and brands. This shift creates an opportunity to develop premium storytelling for brands that is both accessible and scalable. I look forward to partnering with brands to build programs that drive cultural relevance and meaningful business impact.”
Lacks, meanwhile, was formerly a Sales Director at Moonbug Entertainment and worked as Director of Media at VaynerMedia, overseeing campaigns for clients such as Sour Patch Kids, PepsiCo and Mondelez, along with streamers and connected TV companies.
John Morayniss’ North American studio Blink49 launched its brand studio in early 2025, as part of a play to create content with brands and creators, a growing space in the international content landscape. The new hires are part of a scaling up of ambitions.