Yes& Acquires Atlanta's Metaleap Creative to Expand Southeast Presence

The acquisition strengthens Yes&'s design-led capabilities and creative leadership in the region.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:58pm

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Independent agency Yes& has acquired Atlanta-based brand and design studio Metaleap Creative, continuing a multi-year push to strengthen its creative core and deepen its design-led capabilities. The move signals a deliberate investment in building a stronger creative presence in the Southeast, with Metaleap operating as Yes& and its Executive Creative Director José Reyes continuing to lead creatively.

Why it matters

The acquisition reflects a broader industry shift toward design-driven brand leadership, as organizations across industries face mounting pressure to clarify their identity and show up consistently across increasingly fragmented channels. For Yes&, the move is part of building a 'culture of creative leadership' and raising the agency's creative standard.

The details

Founded more than two decades ago, Metaleap Creative has earned a reputation for building thoughtful, enduring brand systems for major clients. The studio is known for combining cultural fluency with disciplined craft. Metaleap will continue to operate under the Yes& brand, with Reyes leading creatively to ensure continuity for clients and preserve the studio's distinct approach.

  • Yes& earlier acquired Atlanta agency Hothouse.
  • The latest acquisition of Metaleap Creative signals a deliberate investment in building a stronger creative presence in the Southeast.

The players

Yes&

An independent, fully-integrated creative agency serving clients across various sectors, with headquarters in Washington, D.C. and additional hubs in Atlanta and Chicago.

Metaleap Creative

An Atlanta-based brand and design studio known for building thoughtful, enduring brand systems for major clients.

José Reyes

The Executive Creative Director of Metaleap Creative, who will continue to lead creatively after the acquisition.

Josh Golden

The President & CCO of Yes&.

Zihla Salinas

The CEO of Yes&.

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What they’re saying

“We've always believed great creative work grows out of trust, shared purpose and long-term relationships. Joining Yes& allows us to honor everything Metaleap has been while expanding what we can offer clients through deeper strategy, broader capabilities, and a truly collaborative future.”

— José Reyes, Executive Creative Director, Metaleap Creative

“What we're building at Yes& is a culture of creative leadership. With Hothouse and now Metaleap, we're intentionally bringing together teams known for their taste and their discipline. Metaleap's talent and craft immediately stood out to us. Adding that level of design raises our creative standard and makes the work stronger across the board.”

— Josh Golden, President & CCO, Yes&

“Metaleap strengthens both our creative ambition and our presence in a market that continues to shape national brand conversations. This is about building a more connected, design-led Yes& — one that helps clients move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose.”

— Zihla Salinas, CEO, Yes&

What’s next

The acquisition is expected to further strengthen Yes&'s design-led capabilities and creative leadership in the Southeast region.

The takeaway

This acquisition reflects the growing importance of design-driven brand leadership in the industry, as organizations seek to clarify their identity and maintain a consistent presence across fragmented channels. By bringing together acclaimed creative teams, Yes& is positioning itself as a hub for design-led brand strategy and execution.