Merge Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Merge has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, operations, finance, technology, people, and creative.

Driven by innovation, Merge is dedicated to delivering integrated marketing and technology solutions that redefine brand experiences and drive measurable business outcomes.

Leadership Roles at Merge

  • Chief Executive Officer - Chen Wenyuan
  • Chief Financial Officer - Christopher Esposito
  • President & Chief Creative Officer - Kevin Houlihan
  • President & Chief Creative Officer - Maite D'Amico
  • President - Jonathan Stuck
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Shirley Pekarek
  • Chief of Staff - Elizabeth Darden
  • Chief Revenue Officer - Heidi West
  • Chief Technology Officer - Kyle Smith
  • Chief People Officer - Erica Denner
  • Chen Wenyuan - Chief Executive Officer

    Chen Wenyuan, the Chief Executive Officer at Merge, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution. This leadership role involves guiding the company's expansion in experience design, media planning, and analytics. Chen Wenyuan ensures all departments align with the core mission of delivering innovative marketing and technology solutions. The focus remains on enhancing client engagement through integrated campaigns and robust technology platforms. This executive drives the company's market position by fostering a culture of creativity and data-driven decision-making. Strategic initiatives under Chen Wenyuan's purview aim to solidify Merge's reputation as a leader in the marketing and technology sector, emphasizing long-term growth and client success across all service offerings.

    Christopher Esposito - Chief Financial Officer

    Christopher Esposito, the Chief Financial Officer at Merge, oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. This executive manages the company's fiscal health, ensuring robust financial planning and resource allocation for strategic initiatives in marketing and technology. Christopher Esposito guides investment decisions, manages capital structure, and mitigates financial risks. The Chief Financial Officer's role is critical in providing financial insights that support executive decision-making and drive profitability. By maintaining strong financial controls and optimizing cost structures, Esposito ensures Merge operates efficiently and sustainably. This leadership position is essential for supporting the company's growth trajectory and its ability to deliver complex client solutions.
    Christopher Esposito

    Kevin Houlihan - President & Chief Creative Officer

    Kevin Houlihan, the President & Chief Creative Officer at Merge, drives the company's creative vision and oversees all creative output. This executive leads the charge in developing innovative concepts for experience design, media campaigns, and integrated marketing solutions. Kevin Houlihan ensures that creative strategies align with client objectives and brand messaging, pushing the boundaries of conventional marketing. The President & Chief Creative Officer fosters a culture of artistic excellence and conceptual innovation within the creative teams. By translating client needs into compelling creative executions, Houlihan enhances Merge's reputation for groundbreaking work. This leadership role is fundamental to delivering unique and impactful brand experiences.

    Maite D'Amico - President & Chief Creative Officer

    Maite D'Amico, the President & Chief Creative Officer at Merge, collaborates to shape the company's creative direction and lead its award-winning creative teams. This executive focuses on conceptualizing and executing groundbreaking campaigns across media, marketing, and technology platforms. Maite D'Amico ensures that creative output consistently reflects Merge's commitment to innovation and client success in experience design. The President & Chief Creative Officer works to inspire creative talent and maintain the highest standards of artistic quality. By driving forward-thinking creative strategies, D'Amico contributes significantly to Merge's market differentiation and its ability to deliver memorable brand narratives. This role is integral to maintaining Merge's position as a leader in creative excellence.

    Jonathan Stuck - President

    Jonathan Stuck, the President at Merge, oversees key operational aspects and strategic partnerships that drive business growth. This executive focuses on enhancing client relationships and expanding the company's service offerings in marketing, technology, and experience design. Jonathan Stuck ensures operational efficiency and seamless execution of integrated marketing campaigns. The President plays a vital role in identifying new market opportunities and strengthening Merge's presence in the industry. By fostering collaboration between departments, Stuck ensures that client needs are met with comprehensive and innovative solutions. This leadership position is critical for maintaining operational excellence and achieving sustained business development.

    Shirley Pekarek - Chief Marketing Officer

    Shirley Pekarek, the Chief Marketing Officer at Merge, architects and executes comprehensive marketing strategies that elevate brand visibility and drive demand. This role encompasses overseeing all aspects of brand communication, digital marketing initiatives, and public relations efforts. Shirley Pekarek ensures marketing campaigns effectively communicate Merge's value proposition in experience design, media planning, and technology platform development. The Chief Marketing Officer's efforts are critical in translating market insights into actionable growth opportunities. By analyzing market trends and consumer behavior, Pekarek guides the development of targeted campaigns that resonate with key audiences. This leadership position is vital for expanding Merge's market reach and reinforcing its standing as a premier creative, marketing, and technology partner.

    Elizabeth Darden - Chief of Staff

    Elizabeth Darden, the Chief of Staff at Merge, optimizes operational efficiency and strategic alignment across all company functions. This position involves managing key projects, facilitating cross-departmental collaboration, and ensuring executive priorities are effectively implemented. Elizabeth Darden supports the Chief Executive Officer in driving initiatives related to experience design, media planning, and technology platform development. The Chief of Staff acts as a central point of coordination, streamlining communication and resource allocation. By identifying and addressing operational bottlenecks, Darden enhances the company's ability to deliver integrated marketing solutions. This role is crucial for maintaining organizational agility and ensuring that Merge consistently meets its strategic objectives and client commitments.

    Heidi West - Chief Revenue Officer

    Heidi West, the Chief Revenue Officer at Merge, spearheads all revenue-generating activities and sales strategies. This executive directs the sales teams, manages client relationships, and identifies new business opportunities within the marketing and technology landscape. Heidi West ensures that revenue targets are met and exceeded by fostering a high-performance sales culture and optimizing the sales funnel. The Chief Revenue Officer's responsibilities include developing pricing strategies, managing key accounts, and driving growth in areas such as integrated marketing and technology platform development. By closely monitoring market dynamics and client needs, West aligns sales efforts with the company's overall strategic goals. This leadership position is fundamental to Merge's financial health and sustained expansion.
    Heidi West

    Kyle Smith - Chief Technology Officer

    Kyle Smith, the Chief Technology Officer at Merge, directs the company's technology strategy and oversees the development of innovative technology platforms. This executive is responsible for ensuring that Merge's technological infrastructure supports its integrated marketing and experience design services. Kyle Smith guides research and development efforts, evaluates emerging technologies, and implements solutions that enhance client outcomes. The Chief Technology Officer's focus includes cybersecurity, data analytics infrastructure, and the scalability of technology offerings. By championing technological advancement, Smith ensures Merge remains at the forefront of the industry, providing cutting-edge solutions. This role is pivotal in driving digital transformation and maintaining a competitive technological edge.

    Erica Denner - Chief People Officer

    Erica Denner, the Chief People Officer at Merge, leads all human resources functions, focusing on talent acquisition, employee development, and fostering a positive organizational culture. This executive designs and implements strategies that attract, retain, and engage top talent across the marketing, creative, and technology teams. Erica Denner ensures that Merge's workforce is equipped with the skills necessary to deliver exceptional client services in experience design and integrated marketing. The Chief People Officer champions initiatives that promote employee well-being, diversity, and inclusion, aligning people strategies with business objectives. By cultivating a supportive and dynamic work environment, Denner plays a key role in Merge's overall success and its ability to innovate.
    Erica Denner

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Merge Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Merge?
    Merge is led by Chen Wenyuan (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Christopher Esposito (Chief Financial Officer) and Kevin Houlihan (President & Chief Creative Officer).
    Who is part of Merge’s executive team?
    The executive team of Merge includes leaders such as Chen Wenyuan (Chief Executive Officer), Christopher Esposito (Chief Financial Officer), Kevin Houlihan (President & Chief Creative Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Merge have?
    Merge has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Merge’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Merge includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President & Chief Creative Officer, President & Chief Creative Officer, President.