Rauxa names John Barneson chief digital officer

John Barneson

Direct marketing agency Rauxa has appointed John Barneson its first chief digital officer, the agency said Sept. 27. Barneson said the hire took effect two and a half weeks ago.

Overseeing the agency's digital offerings, Barneson said he is focused on extending Rauxa's technical capabilities.

“For me, the opportunity here is in translating some of the more technical options out there around mobile and social and mapping that into the strategic marketing world and making it relevant for our clients,” he said.

As part of the agency's plan to grow its offerings, Rauxa is looking to hire 40 full-time employees, with a majority to work on the digital side, said Barneson.

Barneson reports to Rauxa president Gina Alshuler and has 45 Rauxa employees reporting directly to him, he said. He is based out of the agency's Costa Mesa, Calif. headquarters.

Prior to joining Rauxa, Barneson served as CEO and managing director of investment bank Bay Capital.

Formerly a direct mail services provider, Rauxa Direct rebranded as Rauxa on June 1 to position itself as a full-service marketing agency.