Signal Theory Expands Leadership Team, Longtime Exec to Retire

Posted April 2, 2026

Signal Theory has expanded its executive committee to a nine-person team following the addition of three new members.

The Kansas City-based advertising agency announced the three new members joining the executive committee: Evan Fast, vice president of account management; Joe Wilper, vice president and executive creative director; and Elijah Kleinsmith, director of innovation and technology.

“Evan, Joe and Elijah each bring a perspective that makes us sharper, and Sam and Seth have earned these roles through the work they’ve done building this agency alongside us, ” Signal Theory co-CEO Ali Mahaffy said in a release.

Signal Theory co-CEO John January said the appointment of Kleinsmith will mark a commitment from the agency to treat technology and AI as a core leadership function.

In addition to the committee’s expansion, the agency also announced the promotion of two existing members to vice president. Samantha Scantlebury has been promoted to vice president of strategy and Seth Gunderson was promoted to vice president of marketing and growth.

“Signal Theory has always been built on the belief that great work comes from great people,” January said in the release. “Expanding our Executive Committee to invest in leaders across creative, innovation, strategy and growth positions us for what’s ahead.”

In the release, Signal Theory revealed that Diane Young, vice president of account management, will retire after 13 years with the agency. Young will depart at the end of April, according to the release.

“My time at Signal Theory is a real highlight of my career. I got to bring my passion for building big brands, great teams and meaningful partnerships. I’m leaving them in the best possible hands,” Young said in the release.