Qantm Creative taps new CEO

Norfolk-based marketing agency Qantm Creative announced Tuesday that it has appointed Nicole Newsome as its new CEO.

Newsome succeeds Jean Matacunas, who is transitioning into an advisory role where she will provide guidance and mentorship. Matacunas remains the owner of the firm.

Newsome was most recently Qantm’s chief strategy & growth officer, where she served as the primary liaison between the agency’s directors and its CEO and president. She was also the point person for many of its largest accounts.

She has nearly 25 years of experience in leadership in the marketing industry and was an early adopter and promoter of search engine optimization, search engine marketing, social media and web development strategies.

“I’m honored to lead this talented team into Qantm’s next chapter,” said Newsome in a statement. “Qantm will continue to lead with a cutting-edge approach by using data science and art to produce unforgettable experiences. I look forward to continuing that mission with the same energy and integrity that define our work.”

In 2023, Norfolk-based investment firm Five Hill Capital — the parent company of Norfolk marketing and communications firm WB Marketing — acquired Meridian Group, a Virginia Beach agency. In 2024, the two shops were combined to create Qantm. The company says Newsome “played an integral role” in the merger of Meridian and WB Marketing, where she was director of digital marketing.

“Nicole has been instrumental in advancing Qantm’s mission and leading with clarity, creativity and purpose,” Matacunas said in a statement. “Her leadership reflects the values our agency was built on — collaboration, creativity, innovation and community impact.”

A native of Hampton Roads, Newsome is engaged in the community, serving on the board of Hampton Roads Pride and mentoring students at the Entrepreneurship & Business Academy at Kempsville High School. In October, she was named one of Virginia Business’s annual Women in Leadership honorees, recognizing top female executives throughout the state.

Based in Norfolk, Qantm provides branding, digital marketing, social media, market strategy and public relations services.