Scott P. Arroyo 
NEW YORK – Marketing and communications firm Elmntl has been acquired by Iron Horse Venture Group of Denver, the first step in a larger plan to expand the company’s marketing and communications offerings and reach.
Iron Horse Managing Partner Ron Vernon will lead Elmntl, which will retain his name. Former managing partner Onur Kiyak left the firm earlier this year and now runs his own hotel marketing agency, Gourmet Marketing.
Marc Liu will retain his position as Head of Strategy and Operations. His responsibilities include working with Iron Horse on future acquisitions that will strengthen the agency’s capacity or reach, and leading business development.
In addition, Head of Communications Romey Louangvilay will continue to oversee the agency’s PR, influencer marketing and social media offerings. He has also been appointed Creative Director and will oversee Elmntl’s Creative Services department.
Kiyak, Liu and Louangvilay co-founded the company in 2016 and owned it until it was sold to Iron Horse. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. In addition to Denver, Elmntl has offices in New York, Dallas, Manila and Sao Paulo.
Vernon (pictured) said the move was meant to promote the two companies’ goal of growing the agency – its global footprint, client base, expertise and talents. The company currently serves a wide range of industries, including beverages (with clients such as Bud Light, Stoli and Abasolo Whiskey), technology (LG Mobile and SkyLabs), sports and entertainment (UFC and Tennessee Titans) and travel and leisure (ASEAN Tourism, Tourism Authority of Thailand in the Americas and Selina Hotels Chelsea).
Elmntl is the first agency Iron Horse adds to its portfolio, which currently includes renewable energy, technology, digital analytics and marketing companies.
“We see this transaction more as a partnership than an acquisition, Elmntl will be the cornerstone of our business,†said Vernon. “Elmntl has an excellent management team with great marketing expertise, and our goal will be to help them continue to deliver the best marketing campaigns to our customers. ”
