Neil Waller and James Street, the co-founders of Whalar Group, have been appointed as co-CEOs of the global, independent creator ecosystem company. This move sees them retake the leadership reins after stepping back to focus on building out different business divisions, the company’s announcement reads.

Robert Horler, who has served as CEO since January 2021, will transition to the Whalar Group Board of Directors starting May 1, 2024. According to the announcement, his tenure oversaw rapid growth and success for the company’s brand partnerships agency.

Waller and Street founded Whalar eight years ago, and it evolved alongside the burgeoning creator economy. The company now encompasses a full-service creator agency, talent management firm, creator campus, proprietary digital operating system, venture studio, and gaming studio.

“With all six divisions now operational, the timing is opportune for us to become co-CEOs,” Waller said in the announcement. “There’s immense potential for further growth in the creator economy.”

Campaign reports that Waller will oversee the brand partnerships agency, digital operating system Foam, and the new Lighthouse creator campuses opening this year in Venice, California, and Brooklyn, New York. Street will manage the talent management company, venture studio Moby Ventures, and gaming arm Umi Games.

Complementing the founders’ appointments, Whalar Group has announced the hiring of Christoph Becker as its first Chief Creative Officer. Becker comes from communications advisory firm Aqqabba and previously served as Global Chair of Integration at Edelman.

Reporting directly to Waller and Street, Becker will spearhead global initiatives to drive creative excellence and position Whalar as an industry leader in comprehensive creator solutions. His background includes leadership roles at top agencies like gyro.

“Whalar Group stands as a powerhouse unleashing the creative voices shaping business,” Becker said in the announcement. “I’m honored to embark on this liberation journey alongside Neil, James, and the Whalar Group teams.”

The appointments come as Whalar aims to win more creative opportunities beyond just creator briefs from other agencies. With its creative force of over 300 employees globally, the company is positioning itself to secure more direct engagements with brands.

“There is no bigger mission for a creative leader these days than being able to produce powerful, humanly relevant creative work,” Becker said about tapping Whalar’s creator network.