Lewis Lazare keeps us up to date on who’s doing what on the 38th floor of Chicago’s “Big Stan,” a.k.a. the Aon Center.
Paul Tilley has prevailed. On Monday, DDB/Chicago announced Group Creative Director Tilley, 39, will assume the top creative post at the beleaguered agency with the title of managing director, creative. Tilley will become one of a new three-person management team that also includes James Lou, 37, as managing director, strategy, and Don Hoffman, 49, who becomes managing director, accounts.
Tilley is credited him with a strong track record of building client relationships, delivering more non-traditional creative and winning significant new business for the agency. Sources say Tilley, a 10-year veteran of the shop, is by no means a universally beloved figure within DDB’s creative department. He is, however, said to be an astute politician. Tilley on Monday said he expected no immediate creative staffing upheaval. But he said “one of my goals is to improve the quality of our creative.”
“He is, however, said to be an astute politician. ”
That’s kind of sad—but I guess so goes the Ad business. I had the pleasure of seeing Tilly and Joe Jaffe present at Battle of the Heart in Chicago nearly two years ago. Jaffe’s presentation affirmed my passion for interactive marketing while Tilly’s re-affirmed my dis-passion for the 30 second spot mentality.
David Armano: It’s those kine of slams that probably drove Tilly to jump. I hope you can sleep at night!
Jim,
Comments left on blogs don’t kill people. To say they do is hardly respectful. And Armano’s quip–which is what it is, not an attack–is harmless, and not even about Paul Tilley, if you look at it.
Jim,
I thought about this very comment recently in light of events. But honestly, how is this a slam? I disagreed with a POV, I didn’t assault character or make accusations or call names. I did however call out the Ad business and the 30 second spot mentality by name. I have issues with both.
There is a very definitive line between disagreement and flaming someone. I don’t think I even came remotely close.
The recent events are extremely sad and I have been thinking about it a lot over the weekend. But to say that this comment “drive Tilley to jump” is really over the top.
And my name is here. I’m not hiding behind anything.