HUSH Elevates Design Culture With Client Savvy Expansion Led by Banner, Rodriguez, and McGrath

HUSH augments their brand-centered design culture with staff additions and the signing of seasoned talents Gabe Banner and Dan Rodriguez to leadership positions. Rodriguez will assume the role of Director of Engagement in an effort to support HUSH’s intimate, long-term client relationships by facilitating communication between design phases and project cycles. Banner is the newly appointed Director of Production, structuring all projects and decoding even the most perplexing design challenges. With these two new roles, Ryan McGrath will become the Director of Operations in order to focus his relentless energy on the studio’s core functions, including work processes, growth strategies, fiscal responsibility, best practices, and the foundations of client engagement, particularly at a project’s initial phases.

“The additions of Dan and Gabe are at the heart of an expansion that’s yielding a powerful management team within HUSH, supercharging our focus on creative direction and project execution,” states HUSH Co-Founder/Creative Partner David Schwarz. “Their presence means that we can solve bigger, more complex design challenges while continually supporting our clients. In addition to being some of the best in the business, these guys fit into our studio culture perfectly: creative, motivated, respectful, and fun – and with some good stories to bring to the table.”
Rodriguez joins HUSH following nearly a decade leading multi-channel initiatives for major brands and entertainment properties. Most recently with the creative agency Campfire, he led attention-grabbing projects for clients including L’Oréal Paris USA, THQ Games, Cinemax/HBO, PBS, and National Geographic Channel. His passion for storytelling and his understanding of fan culture and communities, fuels innovative tactics and strategies in digital, social, and experiential marketing. Previously a lead on HUSH projects for Estee Lauder and Ted Baker London, Rodriguez will now play an expanded role across all clients to help drive the conversations from initial concept development through delivery.
“Dan is a guy who’s incredibly savvy at seeing everyone’s point of view – an empath. He always gives honest feedback. It’s these characteristics that help him support creativity in its purest form, while also making sure our design solutions are just that: solutions.” adds Schwarz.
Banner – former EP of digital agency R/GA’s experiential division – the creative force behind Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal + Partners’ experiential division LIME, a veteran guerrilla marketer, New York City DJ and club promoter, and fixture in the D.C. hardcore scene – will manage projects at all stages, making sure each one is running in the most efficient manner with the best possible team behind it. Banner will lead project managers across HUSH’s entire pipeline working in tandem with clients, Rodriguez, and McGrath to provide a full-service experience. Banner has already led several projects for HUSH, including the Racer installation project for Google and several Nike experiential projects. Additionally, he has expanded HUSH’s reach by introducing a wealth of resources, partnerships, and relationships.
“One of Gabe’s most impressive skills is his wealth of knowledge and connections to people across all aspects of design, from art to film to production to architecture to technology and craftsmanship – he knows everyone,” notes Schwarz. “Both Dan and Gabe are multi-talented, experienced characters with interesting, varied backgrounds that make HUSH the one-of-a-kind collaborative design experience that it is.”