Michael Kantrow is a Founding Partner and Managing Director of POKE New York – a leading digital strategy, content, marketing and business development company that blends creativity and technology to deliver impact and results for brands/clients and partners in a wide variety of categories and industries.

His professional background and experience spans 18+ years of strategic leadership and general management across branding, advertising, content development, design, digital/interactive marketing, direct marketing, mobile marketing and web development agencies/organizations, including McCann Erickson, JWT, Euro RSCG Worldwide, Margeotes Fertitta Powell/MDC and POKE New York.

Having led relationships, creative excellence and business success on global, and regional levels for brands/clients including Charles Schwab, Dell, Godiva, Intel, Johnson & Johnson, Kraft, MCI, New Balance, MTV and Turner Networks – his work  has been recognized and awarded in most major capacities, including The Effies, The One Show, The Cannes Advertising Festival, IMA Awards, DMA Awards and Communications Arts.

Outside of the office, Michael pursues involvement and leadership in the creative, marketing and technology industries at large as two-time judge of the Effies and as a prior board member of Advertising Week. Providing another outlet for his passion for creativity and it’s broader impact in society and culture, Michael is a passionate leader and supporter in an of the Arts – currently serving as Chairman of J. Mandle Performance, as an active member of the National Arts Club, as an advisor to Performa, as supporter/contributor to the Kitchen and as an advisor/contributor to several emerging artists.

A graduate of both L.S.U. and Harvard Business School, Michael is uniquely, and equally, devoted to his alma maters in their collective, ongoing pursuits to regain their respective #1 rankings.