Founder / Chief Creative Officer

Jay Kamath

Jay Kamath started HAYMAKER in 2017 because he thought, “Sure, why not?” Somehow, it worked—now it’s an Emmy-winning, 3-time Ad Age Small Agency of the Year that’s grown a functioning couch potato farm for Pluto TV, launched the Seattle Kraken, and let Ty Burrell teach kids what not to do with money through Greenlight. He’s also taken foster kids to their First Beach for Reef and still cries about it (in a good way).

Before that, Jay bounced around 72andSunny, R/GA, and Google, launching sneakers, video games, a Jay-Z album with Samsung while helping Kenny Powers complete a hostile corporate takeover of K-Swiss.

In 2023, HAYMAKER became a certified minority-owned business. Jay’s mom marked the occasion by feeding the whole company homemade Indian food. There were no leftovers.

Originally from Augusta, GA, Jay lives in Culver City with his wife and kids, and enjoys singing Enrique Iglesias very poorly at karaoke.

Founder / Chief Strategy Officer

Matt Johnson

No matter the opportunity, Matt’s thought leadership and expertise have consistently helped his partners win. In 2016, his strategic insight helped win six awards for his partners: four Effie Awards, the Most Effective Brand in North America for truth, as well as Ad Age’s A-List Marketer of the Year for adidas.

Matt brings his expertise to Haymaker by way of world-class agencies such as 72andSunny, 180LA, Venables, Bell & Partners and Goodby, Silverstein & Partners.

Matt has also worked as a voice actor for over 19 years, most recently starring in the critically acclaimed HBO animated series, The Life and Times of Tim.

Raised in Northern California, Matt has a soft spot for rocky coastlines and bold wines. When not in the office, Matt can be found drinking lemonade with his wife and two daughters.