Blink49 Studios Grows Its Brand Studio Team with Two New Hires
EXCLUSIVE: Blink49 Studios is enhancing its brand studio operations with the addition of two key hires.
Elizabeth Firth has been appointed Senior Vice President of Partnerships & Commercial Strategy in New York, while Melissa Lacks joins as Senior Director of Sales, Brand.
Firth arrives from Influential, a leader in influencer marketing, and will report directly to Adam Puchalsky, President of Blink49’s Brand Studio. Puchalsky, who joined the company last year after his tenure at Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat, expressed enthusiasm for Firth’s onboarding. Among her key responsibilities will be to expand brand-funded entertainment opportunities through strategic partnerships.
Firth brings extensive experience from her time at UM Worldwide and has worked on high-profile influencer programs for companies 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,” Puchalsky stated. “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 remarked on joining Blink49 at a pivotal moment for the industry, saying, “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.”
Meanwhile, Lacks joins from Moonbug Entertainment, where she served as a Sales Director. She previously held the role of Director of Media at VaynerMedia, directing campaigns for clients that included Sour Patch Kids, PepsiCo, and Mondelez, as well as streaming and connected TV companies.
The North American studio, led by John Morayniss, launched its brand studio in early 2025, aimed at creating content in conjunction with brands and creators—a growing sector within the international content landscape. These new appointments reflect an ambitious strategy to expand the studio’s influence.
