(image from rkdgroup.com)
Fundraising and marketing agency RKD Group has acquired creative agency Whiteboard in Chattanooga, Tennessee. RKD is based in Plano, Texas, near Dallas. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Founded in 1970, RKD Group has more than 250 clients across healthcare, disease research, social services, animal welfare, faith-based causes, education, and humanitarian relief.
“In a highly competitive world with attention at a premium, mission-driven organizations must deal in eye-catching, thoughtful creative that delivers impact,” Kevin Jones, CEO of RKD Group, said via a statement. “Whiteboard brings exceptional creative acumen and strategic thinking that will bolster the deep philanthropic expertise RKD Group already offers clients.”
Whiteboard will continue serving clients under its existing brand and leadership structure, working with RKD Group across fundraising, analytics, creative, and client teams. Whiteboard Co-Founder Taylor Jones will lead Whiteboard as president under the broader RKD Group umbrella. Whiteboard Co-Founder Eric Brown will become chief marketing officer of RKD Group, reporting to Jones.
RKD clients include Susan G. Komen, The Salvation Army, The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Toys for Tots, Feed the Children, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Food Bank for New York City. RKD is backed by private investment firm Incline Equity Partners.
Clients of Whiteboard include TED Conferences, Praxis, Comic Relief, Global Leadership Network, Hunter Museum of American Art, Justice Defenders, New Story, Smile Train, Junior Achievement USA, Purposity and Charityvest.
“Joining RKD gives us the advantage of size and scale, paired with expanded analytics capabilities. More importantly though, this partnership creates more room for ideas and innovation,” Brown said via a statement. “This move allows for a meeting of like minds motivated to bring consumer-grade creativity to a space too-often dominated by the same set of marketing tactics.”
