Curious Plot Announces Leadership Transition
Mitch Van Kampen promoted to president and CEO
as Laurie Fleck retires from agency leadership
Minneapolis (April 14, 2026) – Curious Plot announced today a planned leadership transition rooted in a long-term succession plan. Laurie Fleck will step down as CEO and retire from the agency after 15 years and nearly eight years serving as CEO. Mitch Van Kampen has been promoted to chief executive officer, in addition to his existing role as president, effective May 1, 2026.
During Fleck’s tenure as CEO, Curious Plot has nearly tripled total billings and more than doubled the size of the team to strategically deliver for clients. Throughout that time, the agency has significantly expanded its services and strengthened its focus on food, agriculture and companion animal care clients. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the agency has more than 125 team members across the country in 20 states.
“The role of CEO was not meant to be permanent for me. It was always meant to be purposeful,” Fleck said. “I’m proud of what we’ve built and how we’ve built it. This transition has been thoughtfully planned, and it’s the right time for new leadership to take the agency forward. I’m so very excited for Mitch and for what’s next for Curious Plot.”
Fleck noted the timing aligns with key milestones and the agency’s financial strength, including the fifth anniversary in 2026 of the agency’s rebranding as Curious Plot.
“We have invested in a deep leadership bench, and that has been intentional,” Fleck said. To support the agency’s future growth, the leadership team has been expanded via the recent promotions of Brita Bader to EVP, Chief Financial Officer; Matt Lunneborg to EVP, Chief Creative Officer; Cody Ramey to EVP, Chief Strategy Officer; and Alison Rauchwarter to EVP, Chief Account Officer. They join a seasoned executive leadership team that includes Dean Huff, EVP, Chief Integration Officer; Deron Johnson, EVP, Chief Brand Officer; Jim Zumwalt, EVP, Chief Operating Officer; and Van Kampen.
“Our expanded leadership team will ensure the agency continues to lead with focus and drives momentum,” Fleck said.
Van Kampen, a 14-year veteran of Curious Plot, will lead the agency’s next chapter, building on a strong foundation of industry talent, deep client partnerships, growth momentum and a continued focus on delivering strategic services demanded by clients.
“Laurie’s leadership has been defining for Curious Plot,” Van Kampen said. “She led with high standards and a clear point of view, building a team that is not only ready for what’s next but is actively shaping it. Alongside Jim, Deron and Dean, the additions to the executive team of Brita, Matt, Cody and Alison have further strengthened a leadership team that has never been stronger or more energized to serve our clients and our team. Because this transition has been carefully and intentionally planned, we are in a position of strength and great momentum. I’m honored to lead this next chapter and excited to drive the future of Curious Plot.”
Fleck joined Curious Plot in 2011 as a vice president and assumed the CEO role in 2018. Van Kampen joined Curious Plot in 2012 as an account supervisor and was named president in 2022 after previously serving in strategy-focused roles, including chief strategy officer.