Playa Vista-based advertising agency 72andSunny has named Global Chief Operating Officer and Partner Evin Shutt to lead the company as chief executive.

Shutt was the firm’s first employee. She joined the creative boutique when it was founded by Glenn Cole in 2004.

According to a statement, “Shutt has been a key driver of 72andSunny’s global expansion, the incubation and launch of Hecho Studios” — a production company formerly housed within 72andSunny — and 72andSunny’s corporate responsibility consulting, among other lines of business.

“After 15 years we have taken 72andSunny to a very high basecamp,” Shutt said in the statement.

Shutt’s promotion was effective last week. She replaced former Partner and Chief Executive Matt Jarvis, who becomes co-chairman. Jarvis had served in the post since September 2008, coming to 72andSunny from Deutsch LA.

The change follows December layoffs of 5% of 72andSunny’s staff in Playa Vista and New York. According to the company, it currently has 700 staffers at offices in Los Angeles, New York, Amsterdam, Sydney and Singapore.

Two key executives also departed 72andsunny in 2019. Adweek reported that partner Keith Cartwright in Los Angeles and Nic Owen, president and partner in Amsterdam, left the agency.

In addition, 72andSunny lost major client Coors Banquet in December 2018 and lost its position as ad agency of record for General Mills Inc. last year.

In November, 72andSunny acquired client Pabst Blue Ribbon beer brand and saw the return of a former client, Carl’s Jr. Restaurants. 72andSunny is the agency behind the infamous 2015 regional Super Bowl spot featuring model Charlotte McKinney in a bikini top. The agency lost the partnership to Havas Chicago in 2018.