Independent agencies Barkley and OKRP have officially merged to form BarkleyOKRP, a move aimed at filling the gap between boutique shops and holding companies. The new agency, launched with a humorous video, brings together 650 employees from five offices across the United States.
Barkley CEO Jeff King will continue in his role, while OKRP’s CEO Tom O’Keefe will serve as creative chairman. The merger, characterized by zero redundancy and zero layoffs, is a strategic response to the industry’s current dynamics, which often push clients towards extremes.
BarkleyOKRP positions itself as a ‘big indie,’ offering the creativity of independent agencies combined with the scale and breadth of services associated with holding companies. The decision to embrace the indie label reflects the agency’s commitment to maintaining the innovative and energetic spirit that defines indie businesses.
Looking ahead, BarkleyOKRP plans to expand its client offerings and invest in capabilities across various sectors, particularly in the continuously evolving technology sphere. By joining forces, the agency aims to leverage scale and resources to compete effectively and pursue growth opportunities without engaging in an arms race with holding companies.
