Partners + Napier Appoints Karen Kraut as Chief Strategy Officer, Names Dustin Johnson VP of Media Innovation

New hires mark the evolution of strategy and media capabilities

Partners + Napier is evolving its agency offering with the appointment of Karen Kraut as Chief Strategy Officer and Dustin Johnson as Vice President of Media Innovation, two newly created roles designed to take the agency’s strategy and media capabilities to the next level. Together, the hires reflect an intentional decision to deepen how strategy and media shape the work—enabling greater focus, stronger ideas, and more meaningful impact for brands.

Kraut joins Partners + Napier after previously serving as Chief Strategy Officer for the global American Express account at Dentsu, where she also led strategy work for Subway and Crayola. In a prior role, she served as EVP Planning/Head of Comms Planning at Publicis, leading work for Walmart and Nestle. She has been with the Partners + Napier team in a freelance capacity since July 2025 and will oversee both strategy and media for the agency, evolving how those disciplines work together and ensuring a strategic mindset carries through creative and execution. Her approach moves beyond traditional insight-led models, helping teams work smarter and faster in an increasingly complex landscape.

“Karen has a rare ability to humanize the problems brands are actually facing and find a clear foothold for where they can go,” said Courtney Cotrupe, CEO of Partners + Napier. “Her work is practical and grounded—helping clients make better decisions and giving teams a sharper path forward.”

Joining Kraut’s team, Dustin Johnson steps into the role of VP of Media Innovation, bringing a modern, hybrid approach to media that combines strategic thinking, creative ideation, and deep channel expertise. He joins the agency after 10 years at Mullen and another seven years at MediaHub, with experience leading innovative, creative media solutions for Royal Caribbean, Uber Eats, Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Cadillac, and Google.

“Dustin is a true hybrid—part strategist, part creative, part innovator, part media maestro, part builder,” said Rob Kottkamp, Chief Creative Officer at Partners + Napier. “He understands how media can actively strengthen creative ideas and help them move through culture in more meaningful ways.”