RQ is made up of not just award-winning creatives, strategists and producers, but also incredibly passionate marketers who bring their own unique experience to the agency.
Brian Salzman - CEO, Founder
Founder and CEO of RQ, Brian has been a leader in the marketing services industry for over 15 years. His creativity and passion inspired him to start RQ in 2016. He’s spent the last decade pioneering a new form of brand marketing dedicated to building more organic partnerships between brands and people of influence. His unique methodology is a breath of fresh air for brands and talent alike -- in just eight years, RQ has grown to a team of 30+ in LA servicing clients including Pizza Hut, Google, YouTube, Abbott, Best Buy, HBO and MINI USA.
Cynthia Biamon - President, CCO
Cynthia Biamon has over 20 years of experience in entertainment and advertising. She began in film development at Jersey Films before transitioning to talent management at Artists Management Group, working with clients like Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese. She then co-founded and led DiCaprio’s production company, Appian Way, as President and COO. Moving into advertising, she helped grow Digital Kitchen, leading accounts such as HBO, Netflix, and Marvel, earning multiple Emmys and Cannes Lions. She later served as COO at Donut Media, overseeing its sale to Recurrent Ventures. She is now President and COO at RQ Media Group.
Damien Cortese - VP, Client Strategy
As EVP of Strategy & Growth at RQ, Damien helps brands stay culturally relevant through video content and experiences. He has created impactful programs for Fortune 500 companies, leading T Brand Studio at The New York Times and working on campaigns for HP, L’Oréal, and Salesforce. Previously, at WPP NY, he developed award-winning content for GE, Marriott, and Amex. A former litigation attorney and Teach for America corps member in Brooklyn, he now lives in Los Angeles, far from his childhood home in Montauk, NY. Damien is a proud dad to Renza and Louie.
Carl Stevens - Head of Entertainment
As the Head of Entertainment for RQ, Carl and his team are responsible for providing cutting-edge, immersive and fan-centric experiences that drive viewership. While helping clients such as HBO, Warner Discovery, FX, Hulu, and Showtime grow their properties for a global audience, Carl has a deep understanding of technology and marketing strategy. An established leader in the entertainment marketing industry, he has a demonstrated history of designing and leading world-class, award-winning campaigns for the largest brands and titles in streaming and entertainment.
Rachel Yanovski - Creative Director
As Creative Director at RQ, Rachel brings over a decade of ad agency experience. She has worked with brands including Twitch, Marvel, Jeep, Netflix, The NFL, and Bud Light to create and evolve their identities with industry-leading creative campaigns. Her award-winning work spans from Super Bowl commercials to Snap games, viral tweets to immersive experiences. Formerly, she led creative at Trailer Park, 160over90, The Mill, and Tiny Wins. Career highlights include developing Under Armour’s first campaign focused on athlete mental health and launching Israel’s “Beyond Belief” tourism campaign.
Melanie Campfield - Account Director
A proud Syracuse alum with a Bachelor's and MBA, Melanie brings her cheerleading spirit to RQ, leading teams to success. Her 12-year career spans account management and business development at top agencies in San Francisco, New York, and LA, working across finance, tech, beauty, restaurants, and more. She has presented at the ANA and contributed to Cannes, D&AD, and One Show-recognized campaigns. At RQ, her teams have driven breakthrough work, earning RQ its role as Pizza Hut’s first lead influencer agency, with coverage in Ad Age, NY Times, and Essence. She also plays a key role in shaping RQ’s account management.
And of course—Go Orange!
Mark Baroth - Account Director
Mark Baroth is a seasoned Account Director with over a decade of experience driving social media and influencer strategies for top brands. Specializing in entertainment, sports, and retail, his campaigns have garnered prestigious awards including Clios, Silver Anvils, and Daveys. Mark's passion for the creator economy and fostering authentic partnerships between brands and influencers is evident in his ability to consistently deliver exceptional marketing campaigns that drive views and engagements.
Danielle Lankford - Operations Director
As Director of Operations at RQ, Danielle plays a pivotal role in driving the agency’s success. She manages resource allocation, HR functions, and accounting operations, all while cultivating a vibrant and collaborative company culture. A Los Angeles native, Danielle earned her degree in Cultural Studies from New York University, with a focus on Media and the Entertainment Industry. Prior to joining RQ, Danielle was on the public relations team at Endeavor-owned talent agency, The Wall Group. She also has a passion for real estate, and is licensed with Compass Beverly Hills. On the weekends, Danielle enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, Roman and Enzo.