We are strategists, designers, and developers
OBATA is a St. Louis-based creative agency that specializes in design of corporate, sustainability, branding, and digital communications.
Our team is highly-experienced and responsive. We provide expertise for ESG and annual reports, branding, website design and development, video and photography, and digital marketing solutions. Our focus is to simplify the complex and positively impact your brand through innovative design and strategic communications.
Founded by Kimio Obata in 1948, Obata is the longest-running creative agency in St. Louis. Our creative roots run deep in branding, product packaging, annual report design and marketing communications.
Certified Expertise
Our leadership team is trained and certified in digital marketing by the Digital Marketing Institute and American Marketing Association, as well as certified in ESG fundamentals and ESG disclosures by the Corporate Finance Institute.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Simplify complex communications to maximize understanding and inspire meaningful audience-driven action.
Industry Expertise
B2B Experience
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Life Sciences
- Manufacturing
- Industrial
- Private Equity
- Energy
- Mining
- Electirc & Gas Utliiteis
- Professional Services
B2C Experience
- Financial
- Healthcare
- Consumer Packaged Goods
- Retail
- Professional Services
Leadership Team
Our leadership team has a combined 75 years of experience in corporate communication, sustainability reporting, branding, and marketing communications.
Rich Murphy
CEO & President
Photography & Video Director
Rich leads our team with a business focus. He has over thirty-five years of experience serving OBATA clients with his marketing and business communications.
His commitment to best practices in communications methodology, forward-thinking, and progressive technology provides clients with best-in-class integrated solutions.
Rich leads videography and photography services for the organization. He has travelled to over 30 countries around the world, gathering visual content for clients. He is certified in digital marketing by the DMI and AMA.
Paul Gassett
Vice President
Marketing Director
Paul is a passionate marketing expert. He understands that marketing is much more than simply communicating points of differentiation or entertaining with captivating content or design.
Paul’s focus is on marketing and branding strategy, positioning, writing, public relations and communications activities for the firm’s clients.
He is certified in ESG fundamentals and ESG disclosures by the Corporate Finance Institute. He also serves as an adjunct professor of business management and international business for Lindenwood and Maryville University.
Adam Franke
Vice President
Creative Director
Adam is a communications design expert with more than 15 years of experience. His areas of expertise include corporate and sustainability communications, digital marketing, website design and development.
Adam has been with the company since 2007 as a senior designer and became creative director in 2017.
He is certified in digital marketing by the DMI and AMA. Adam earned a BFA in Graphic Design from the Maryville University.
Expertise Overview
Corporate Reporting
- ESG (environmental, social, and governance) Reports
- Sustainability Reports
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Reports
- Annual Reports
- 10-K Wraps
- Community Reports
- Foundation Reports
- Proxy Design
- Reporting Microsites or Webpages
- Investor Factsheets
- ESG Datasheets and Highlights
Branding & Identity Design
- Brand Strategy
- Brand Positioning & Messaging
- Brand Architecture
- Brand Governance
- Identity Design & Logo Systems
- Name Development
- Sales & Marketing Materials
- Sales Collateral Systems
- Campaign Development
- Product Packaging
- Exhibits, Displays & Signage
Digital Marketing
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Local SEO
- Digital Advertising Management
- Digital Content Strategy
- Digital Lead Generation
- Email Marketing
- Social Media Management
Website Design & Development
- UI/UX Strategy & Design
- Website and App Development
- Content Management Systems (CMS)
- Performance Reporting & Analytics
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Photography & Video
- Motion Graphics
- Photography & Art Direction
- Photo Retouching & Optimization
- Video, Scripting & Editing
- Drone Photography & Video
Clients
We’ve created some of our client’s most visible and valued communication materials.
How? By listening, questioning, exploring, and refining — leading to unique ways to reach and inspire their audience.
History
Obata has a long, proud and rich creative history in St. Louis. We’ve been bringing our passion to branding, corporate and marketing communications for more than 75 years.
As the longest-running creative agency in St. Louis, OBATA has had the pleasure of partnering with some of the largest regional and global companies since 1948. These companies and brands are some of the most iconic in the nation. We’ve also helped startups grow and develop into successful brands along the way.
Read more about our 75th-anniversary celebration.
Careers
We offer a highly collaborative and creative environment with designers, writers, strategists, producers, developers, and project managers who share a passion for producing great work.
Full-time Position Benefits Include:
- Flexible Work Policy
- Time Off: Paid holidays and competitive PTO
- Traditional Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life; 401K, and Short & Long Term Disability
Open Positions:
Don’t See a Position Open?
We’re always looking for extraordinary talent. Send your resume/online portfolio to careers@obata.com.
