Independent agency Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners has acquired creative boutique Union Made, bringing the shop’s founder Keith Cartwright on as executive creative director.

Mr. Cartwright will team with BSSP vet Tom Coates, who is being promoted from creative director to executive creative director. The pair will take the reigns on running the agency’s creative department, reporting to agency founder John Butler, who moves into the newly created post of chief creative officer.

“Like any company that wants to stay relevant, you empower people and that’s what this is about,” said Mr. Butler. “I finally found two guys who can take this place to the next level. I’m not going anywhere tomorrow, but I’d be lying if there wasn’t a succession place in mind.” The agency’s current client roster includes Mini, HTC, Nature Made, Greyhound, Blue Shield of California, Logan’s Roadhouse and El Pollo Loco.