Leadership
Some say we’re obsessed with creating ideas that affect the way people feel; we’d say, they’re not wrong.
Here we are.
Glenn Sagon
Glenn drives the marketing and branding strategies that build sales and revenue for Sagon-Phior’s clients. He is a creative thinker with keen business acumen, delivering measurable results and groundbreaking work for prestigious global brands.
Glenn drives the marketing and branding strategies that build sales and revenue for Sagon-Phior’s clients. He is a creative thinker with keen business acumen, delivering measurable results and groundbreaking work for prestigious global brands.
Glenn began his career as an art director for Foote, Cone & Belding, and soon after became an award-winning creative director for Columbia Pictures, producing some of the most memorable motion picture campaigns, including Ghostbusters, The Big Chill, Gandhi, The Karate Kid, and Tootsie. Through his time in the motion picture industry, he came to understand that every memorable brand begins with a powerful story; one that must connect emotionally with an audience in order to engage them – and that’s where Glenn begins with all projects and strategies.
Add that to Glenn’s knack for understanding human behavior, and the ability to foster synergy through observations, while giving space for the creative strengths of others … and you’ve got celebrated solutions, happy clients, and brand prestige. Glenn has always been driven by the desire to create something unexpected and new. His goal is not only to do outstanding work, but to consistently help clients achieve business success.
Recognized as one of the industry’s most innovative and effective marketing leaders, Glenn has received a plethora of marketing effectiveness and creative awards too many to list. He has been an associate professor at California State University Northridge, and UCLA, and a guest lecturer at Art Center College of Design, and USC (where his marketing approach, published in university textbooks, is required reading for the MBA/graduate level).
One truth, Glenn says, entertainment advertising taught him is that everything is an “experience,” from the hottest blockbuster movie down to the niche-iest of niche products or services. There are no small introductions, only small minds, no boring products, only boring people. And Glenn – or any project he touches – is anything but boring.
Rio Phior
As the co-founder of Sagon-Phior, Rio guides and directs the creative strategies for Sagon-Phior, helping brands develop, enhance, and grow their market share.
As the co-founder of Sagon-Phior, Rio guides and directs the creative strategies for Sagon-Phior, helping brands develop, enhance, and grow their market share.
And, trust us; this is a woman you want guiding your creative strategy. Her career as a fashion illustrator segued into an art director and copywriter for Wells, Rich, and Greene, then led to her position as Creative Director for George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. Being responsible for the worldwide branding, advertising, and merchandising of blockbuster films, she learned, firsthand, “You need fuel in the plane and a clear destination to soar creatively.” In her mind, the most important aspect of creativity is having enough data and a singular goal. She makes sure everyone at Sagon-Phior has both before taking off on any creative venture.
There is not enough space on this website to list all of the clients she has worked with, which range from Fortune 500 companies to foundations and entrepreneurial start-ups, or to list all of her awards and accolades, so let’s just say if there’s an industry accolade, she’s earned it, and if there’s a design or marketing award, she’s won it.
An associate professor at California State University Northridge and guest lecturer at Art Center, UCLA and USC Annenberg, Rio is a gifted communicator, and understands that branding, marketing, and advertising also begin with storytelling. So, that’s where she starts with all strategies.
Rio’s approach to the creative process is simple: 1 plus 1 can also equal 11… and never promise what you can’t deliver – then, always deliver more. She is driven by the desire to help transform people’s lives for the better, whether it be with an innovative product, service, brand or cause. And if you ask her what her favorite project is, it is always the one she’s working on right now—yours.
Greg Martin David
Greg is a seasoned bilingual brand and communication strategist with over a decade of experience across diverse regions, including South Africa, the broader African continent, Mexico, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the USA.
Greg is a seasoned bilingual brand and communication strategist with over a decade of experience across diverse regions, including South Africa, the broader African continent, Mexico, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the USA. He leverages his experience across multiple sectors to ensure that brands are positioned strongly, with a unique and ownable brand territory for developing creative concepts and ideas. Greg’s communication strategies align with full-funnel marketing, ensuring that every brand interaction builds valuable connections.
Greg has a deep understanding of the full digital and traditional communication ecosystem. Greg has been instrumental in developing business, brand, and communication models aimed at driving growth for brands. His work has been recognized for its effectiveness in strategic planning and creativity, earning him accolades such as the Google Accelerate Award (South Africa), Digital Bookmark Awards (South Africa), Effies (Mexico), Creative Circle (Mexico), and IAB awards.
Renée Tuzee
With 25 years of experience on the agency and client side, Renée quickly develops a deep understanding of clients’ business needs and delivers marketing programs that move the needle.
With 25 years of experience on the agency and client side, Renée quickly develops a deep understanding of clients’ business needs and delivers marketing programs that move the needle. With strong brand stewardship and marketing (domestic & international, strategic & tactical) skills, she has led creative teams and developing and executing innovative campaigns for national and global consumer and trade brands that expand awareness and drive sales.
Her work is recognized by the Advertising Federation of America (AdFed), American Association of Advertising Agencies (AAAA), Adweek, Brandweek, Advertising Age and USA Today, and the ADDY’s. She’s led creative teams for Piaggio, Freeline Sports, Motorcycle Industry Council, National Charity League, and Bexa, a health-tech company, and others. She catapulted Vespa to cultural icon status through innovative “guerilla marketing” tactics. She’s led teams of strategic planners, media directors, creative directors, producers and more to produce integrated campaigns for Black & Decker’s Price Pfister, Kwikset, Baldwin brands, Public Storage, LA Cable Co-op, Petersen Automotive Museum, Bombardier, and more. She holds a BA in Communications and an MBA from Pepperdine University.
Janice Hayes Kyser
Janice is an award-winning journalist and creative writer. Her articles, opinions and stories have been published in USA Today, The Detroit News, The Seattle Times, and Essence Magazine, among many others.
Prior to her journalistic career, Janice held multiple senior positions at Fortune 500 companies in the philanthropy, healthcare, aerospace, car, public relations and consumer goods sectors. She was Vice President of Corporate Communications for WellPoint, Inc. Prior to that she was Director of Philanthropy and Diversity Communications at American Honda Motor Company. Earlier in her career, Janice was Vice President Public Relations position at Grant Jacoby / Chicago, Director of Public Relations at The Boeing Company Europe, and Manager of Media and Public Relations at the Sara Lee Corporation. Janice has conducted media relations, speech writing, interviews and reputation management for several Fortune 100 companies.
Her work has included story development, key positioning and messaging platform development. Janice has also provided internal/external strategic communications support for executive leadership including presentations, traditional and social media relations, issues management, strategic planning and event planning. Janice has worked with top tier media including The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, MSNBC, Fox News and others. She works with all of our philanthropy clients. Janice writes valiantly on issues of social inequity, breaking barriers and building bridges for communities.
Terry Horsman
Terry Horsmon is a marketing and operations executive with nearly 40 years of experience helping brands and agencies find value for their clients. As an operations executive, Terry has held senior positions at branding, media and advertising agencies in the US and Asia. As a brand marketing consultant, Terry has worked with agency groups at WPP and Publicis and independent agencies.
Terry Horsmon is a marketing and operations executive with nearly 40 years of experience helping brands and agencies find value for their clients. As an operations executive, Terry has held senior positions at branding, media and advertising agencies in the US and Asia. As a brand marketing consultant, Terry has worked with agency groups at WPP and Publicis and independent agencies.
At Sagon-Phior, Terry has worked in various capacities for over 30 years and currently heads our Operations team. His former work with brands like Dreamworks Animation, BMW, Ford, and Nike has given him a broad view of the global marketplace. In fact, Terry’s international experience is vast, having worked in over 10 countries, including China for 11 years and he speaks fluent Mandarin.
Trained at McKinsey and Company as a management consultant, Terry has held executive positions at Columbia Pictures, MGM and TriStar before co-founding True North Leadership and True North Worldwide, as Global Managing Partner for 20 years.
Terry’s academic background is impressive, having received his B.A. Magna Cum Laude from Amherst College and his MBA from Harvard Business School. He was a post-graduate fellow at Yale University School of Medicine and attended The Innovation Lab program at MIT.
Bill Fate
With a father who was a blacksmith, woodworker, and physicist (in that order), Bill grew up learning that details matter, no matter what the task. And for over twenty years, Bill has put that philosophy into action at Sagon-Phior.
With a father who was a blacksmith, woodworker, and physicist (in that order), Bill grew up learning that details matter, no matter what the task. And for over twenty years, Bill has put that philosophy into action at Sagon-Phior, directing and developing global and national marketing and advertising campaigns, as well as packaging, broadcast, and digital campaigns for our most high-profile clients.
Bill knows no boundaries. He enjoys the rush of the creative process and the thrill of getting it right; to him, “getting it right” means crafting work that resonates with audiences while showcasing the absolute best of a brand. His unique ability to zero in on compelling messaging and captivating visuals comes from years of training in the entertainment industry.
As someone who never stops looking for ingenious new ways to bring sizzle to a legacy brand or spotlight a new one, Bill obsesses about not only the look and feel of his work, but also how it sounds; he graduated from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, and previously worked for Skywalker Sound as a recording engineer and producer. (Yes, that Skywalker Sound. May the Force be with you).
Chandler Locke
Chandler’s ability to adapt to different challenges and environments makes him a trusted collaborator in delivering projects that exceed expectations. Areas of expertise include fashion, lifestyle, financial services, automotive, people, travel, and more.
Chandler’s ability to adapt to different challenges and environments makes him a trusted collaborator in delivering projects that exceed expectations. Areas of expertise include fashion, lifestyle, financial services, automotive, people, travel, and more.
For the past 10 years, Chandler has worked in all aspects of production. He has vast knowledge on production pain points, working within a team, and dealing with high pressure situations. We utilize Chandler’s production company, Ponderay Studios, to provide a full-service solution. In this way, we can seamlessly blending creativity, technical expertise, and strategic insight to offer Sagon-Phior’s clients end-to-end production capabilities from concept to final cut.
Colin Johns
Every day, Colin understands the significance of finding creative ways to bridge the gap between information and understanding a brand. A man of many talents, including illustration, watercolor, and ink painting, Colin contributes artistically fresh and original ideas to all projects.
Every day, Colin understands the significance of finding creative ways to bridge the gap between information and understanding a brand. A man of many talents, including illustration, watercolor, and ink painting, Colin contributes artistically fresh and original ideas to all projects. As a designer, he enjoys, and excels at, collaborating with clients to develop their brand’s vision and then creating the designs to communicate said vision in an emotionally compelling and memorable way. Colin continues to apply his skills to the agency’s healthcare, technology, lifestyle, non-profit, and financial services clients.
Before joining the Sagon-Phior team, he worked with, among others, Comic Con (which means, point blank, that he’s just plain cool).
Fernanda Aceves
Fernanda is a highly accomplished, passionate digital strategist, social marketer, and public relations professional with almost a decade of experience. Her background includes having worked with prestigious global and multicultural, luxury, fashion, business and entertainment brands.
Fernanda is a highly accomplished, passionate digital strategist, social marketer, and public relations professional with almost a decade of experience. Her background includes having worked with prestigious global and multicultural, luxury, fashion, business and entertainment brands. Fernanda’s career includes having worked with Montblanc, Hyatt, Grupo Habita, HOLA!, Menudo, F1 Mexico GP, and Hotel du Louvre. At Sagon-Phior, she builds awareness and grows audiences for Two Rodeo Drive, Porsche Design, Versace, Jimmy Choo, Tiffany, Breitling, Kith and Breguet, and Henry Jacques.
Fernanda began her career in PR and events management at the young age of 19. This worldly experience helped her develop a keen sense of the marketplace and a special awareness of cultural contrasts along with a deep understanding of the psychological and emotional unifiers that connect people. She brings this incredible multicultural awareness and perspective to all marketing. By also adding a focus on storytelling, powerful imagery, influencers, and engagement, Fernanda has been able to develop strong brand partnerships while growing audiences through the creation of resonate, intriguing content. She is bilingual, being fluent in English and Spanish – a real bonus for many of our clients.
Christopher Skinner
Chris is our resident science geek, and we couldn’t do any of what we do without him. He is an expert at discovering consumers’ hidden desires using psychology, big data, and computational linguistics.
Chris is our resident science geek, and we couldn’t do any of what we do without him. He is an expert at discovering consumers’ hidden desires using psychology, big data, and computational linguistics. Based on large datasets of hundreds of millions of people, he converts real world human behavior into inferred psychological states; for brands, understanding the customer’s psychological and emotional drivers to join, try, purchase, or repurchase is key.
Put simply, Chris helps Sagon-Phior’s clients move the merch.
Chris connects consumer-relationship data to find advantages in clients’ marketing initiatives, identifying and outlining the psychological, motivational, and emotional reasons for consumer interest and purchase decisions. His algorithmic process is akin to how companies like Netflix and Amazon understand their consumers’ preferences, injecting personality metrics into software and organizations with methods that measure the subconscious mind.
Driven by the desire to serve, and not sell, Chris switched his original career focus from building marketing and advertising technology to product and operations. Realizing that media was never a clear means to creating a successful business model, he found Product and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) a better pathway; by researching language and design thinking, CRM and look-alike CRM data can be more predictive and prescriptive.
Chris attended Louisiana State University majoring in Abstract Mathematics, and Harvard Business School’s Disruptive Innovation executive education program. He also, for fun (his words, not ours), studied economics at Tulane University. Chris applies that vast storehouse of knowledge in the pursuit of answering one simple question: “Why do people buy?”
Peter Stougaard
Peter believes that every idea must be viewed in the environment it is intended for. This is the reason Peter is so good at creating experiences.
Peter believes that every idea must be viewed in the environment it is intended for. This is the reason Peter is so good at creating experiences. From his first job at Disney Imagineering, Peter started making small movies and recording music for the theme park. From there he joined Sagon-Phior in their early days helping to develop the launch of Fox Broadcasting, the brand transformation of Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI) and collaborating with agency founders Rio and Glenn to produce many notable motion picture campaigns for Warner Bros, Universal Studios, Colombia Pictures and Paramount Pictures.
With a history of blockbuster campaigns under his belt, Peter joined DreamWorks as head of Creative for their Consumer Products division, working closely with the major retailers developing global licensing programs. At DreamWorks, he was responsible for building the brands and screen-to-retail strategies for Saving Private Ryan, Antz, Prince of Egypt, Shrek, among others.
Peter went on to become the Senior Vice President of Creative at 20th Century Fox, as part of the most successful motion picture marketing team in decades, directing creative advertising for over 25 movies simultaneously, including Avatar, X-Men, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Moulin Rouge, Planet of the Apes, Ice Age, Cheaper By The Dozen, Master & Commander and Cast Away, just to name a few.
And in one of those “life comes full circle” moments, Peter has re-joined Sagon-Phior to work alongside their strategy and creative teams to help create brand experiences. He will tell you that his creativity comes out in music, graphics, filmmaking, posters, software design, and marketing strategies.
Russell Coon
Russ has one foot in two worlds, the real and the digital, and he feels equally at home in both. That’s why he’s a master web specialist, Sagon-Phior’s resident Digital Developer tech guru.
Russ has one foot in two worlds, the real and the digital, and he feels equally at home in both. That’s why he’s a master web specialist, Sagon-Phior’s resident Digital Developer tech guru. With a master’s in fine arts, Russ combines the problem-solving skills of a programmer with the aesthetic sensibility of a designer.
Involved in every online and app development project that we bring onboard, Russ manages all our development teams, and can easily explain the most complex of programming challenges to the digitally inexperienced. For over 15 years, he has supervised and directed all our general web and microsite development, search engine optimization and marketing, interactive campaign integration, multi-platform programming and coding, e-commerce, web analytics, email marketing, online video, game, app development, and content management systems. (…now you get why he has earned the “guru” title).
Every day, Russ is driven to find the simplest, most elegant solution to a problem; in fact, he prefers seeing “problems” as puzzles — there is always a solution if you have the right combination of imagination and patience.
Stacey Doss
Stacey believes that anything worth writing about, must be worth reading about. With twenty-plus years of Public Relations expertise in the areas of high tech, entertainment, healthcare, real estate, non-profit, fashion, and business services, Stacey knows that every brand is its own unique creature and works her magic to make sure that the world, and everyone in it, knows too.
Stacey believes that anything worth writing about, must be worth reading about. With twenty-plus years of Public Relations expertise in the areas of high tech, entertainment, healthcare, real estate, non-profit, fashion, and business services, Stacey knows that every brand is its own unique creature and works her magic to make sure that the world, and everyone in it, knows too.
If you’re into things like awards, her work has garnered her many, such as the Public Relations Society of America’s Silver Anvil Award, and the International Association of Business Communicators and Healthcare Public Relations and Marketing Association’s highest honors. She also teaches PR and writing classes at UC Irvine and is a UCLA graduate; quite simply, she’s a whiz.
Jesse Sikorski
Jesse is a deep thinker, especially when it comes to visual communication. He has the gift of youthful spontaneous flair, which he injects in all projects.
Jesse is a deep thinker, especially when it comes to visual communication. He has the gift of youthful spontaneous flair, which he injects in all projects. Regardless of brand identity, websites, corporate presentations of packaging, Jesse brings his experience as a Multimedia Art Director at FLYP Media, an Art Director at Dune Road Group, and owner of his own branding and custom apparel company to the Sagon-Phior team. By blending attention to detail, precision, and speed to create flawless art direction and design work for clients, Jesse excels at connecting an idea to the needs of an audience. A graduate of the University of the Arts Philadelphia, he is an artist and designer to his core.
Jennifer Najar
Jennifer has worked in the accounting and account management fields since 2005. She really enjoys helping our leadership strategically plan and manage finances for the financial year.
Jennifer has worked in the accounting and account management fields since 2005. She really enjoys helping our leadership strategically plan and manage finances for the financial year. Her knowledge of support and troubleshooting software is vast and she brings a modern touch to budget management and systems flow. This has made working with our clients a very smooth operation. In fact, her operations knowledge and business skillsets are easily translatable to multiple business models and industries and her recommendations always complement the work we do with our clients.
Everyone enjoys working with Jennifer because she is a people person first, while still balancing the rigor and detail required of a strategic financial executive. Jennifer’s lucid and pleasant way of explaining complex financial and accounting issues to right-brained creative executive is a key talent of hers. The positive difference she has made to Sagon-Phior is tremendous.