Branch director Kristin Cavallo will return to her role as CEO of Martin

Local advertising powerhouse Martin, formerly known as the Martin Agency, has a new CEO, but it's a familiar face.

Kristin Cavallo, who left Martin to run The Branch Museum of Design, announced Thursday she is returning to the head role at the company.

Danny Robinson, who succeeded her, is retiring to accept a residency as an artist in France.

"This opportunity is the fulfillment of his lifelong dream, and I am happy for him," Cavallo said in an email.

"MARTIN* asked me to step back in during this pivotal moment. There was really only one answer, as I spent 20 of my 30 years in advertising there across two chapters of my career. This will be my third."

Cavallo led the rebranding of the Branch, and the museum gained renown recently for its exhibition of Christian Siriano dresses, which Cavallo said was the most successful exhibition in the museum's history.

Cavallo said she will remain with the museum with the title of Artistic Director.

Katie Foster, the museum's deputy director, will become the acting executive director.

"She has been the operational backbone of this museum and is trusted by the staff and board," Cavallo wrote. "We will continue to work in close partnership. The curatorial calendar for 2026 is set. The rehabilitation is underway. The momentum we have built is real, and it will continue."

Contact Michael Phillips at mphillips@richmonder.org.