Mother Los Angeles Appointed Stephanie Thiel Managing Director
The advertising agency hired a new managing director to oversee its ongoing expansion in the Los Angeles market.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in People
Mother Los Angeles has appointed Stephanie Thiel as its new managing director. She joins the agency to lead operations as the firm continues building its presence on the West Coast.
Why it matters
This executive move marks a strategic effort by Mother Los Angeles to consolidate its regional footprint. By filling this leadership role, the agency aims to support its current client portfolio, which includes brands like Sonic Drive-In and Expedia.
This appointment represents a single leadership change for the Los Angeles office, which manages accounts for clients including the Los Angeles Philharmonic and EA. The move shifts the agency management team as it expands its West Coast operations.
The players
Stephanie Thiel
An advertising executive who previously served as managing director at Mirimar and held senior posts at firms including Droga5 and VCCP.
Mother Los Angeles
A creative advertising agency with a diverse portfolio that includes national brands such as Sonic Drive-In, Expedia, and EA.
Jed Cohen
The chief creative officer at Mother Los Angeles who will partner with the new managing director on agency operations.
Nika Rastakhiz
The head of strategy at Mother Los Angeles responsible for directing the agency's planning and market approach.
The details
Thiel will work directly alongside CCO Jed Cohen and Head of Strategy Nika Rastakhiz to manage creative and operational output. She brings experience from senior roles at agencies including Droga5, Joan Creative, and VCCP, as well as brand-side experience from her time at Away and her recent tenure as managing director at Mirimar. Her integration into the firm is designed to align creative direction with broader regional growth objectives.
Timeline
Mother LA announced the appointment of Stephanie Thiel on October 2, 2026.
Market Landscape
This appointment aligns with the broader trend of independent advertising agencies prioritizing executive recruitment to bolster their Los Angeles footprints. It follows a established pattern of talent poaching from top-tier creative firms to maintain competitiveness in the regional market.
Operators in the creative services sector should monitor whether this leadership change results in shifted bidding behavior or new service offerings from the agency. Businesses working with agencies should review their account management contacts to ensure continuity.
The takeaway
The move signals a heightened focus on West Coast growth for Mother Los Angeles as they integrate new senior leadership. Agency clients should track potential changes in account strategy or team structures during this leadership transition period.
Further reading
For more on local leadership changes, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MediaPost.
