President of GSD&M ad agency adds ‘CEO’ to title
1. GSD&M President Steewart is now CEO
2. Spence will remain chairman and will focus on new biz (and promoting his book “It’s Not What You Sell, It’s What You Stand For: Why Every Extraordinary Business Is Driven by Purpose”)
So, we all know that Austin-based and Omnicom Group owned GSD&M had a rather rough 2007. They lost a few clients and a few battles over new business. The Austin Business Journal recently ran this article: Down, but not out
Side note: GSD&M used to ask job applicants to come up with a slogan or phrase using their GSD&M initials. I recently came across a post or article (I actually don’t remember /where was.) that said GSD&M stood for Greed, Sex, Drugs, and Money. Can anyone out there weigh in on the accuracy of that translation?
I know I give the GSD&M gang a hard time, but no kidding today. The Idea City announced that they would start laying off workers this week. Analyst are saying as many as 200 will be let go. GSD&M President and COO, Duff Stewart, was quoted in the Austin American- Statesman: “This is not about numbers, This is about people.” Duff, I must disagree with you. This is about the numbers and the people, the number of people you will be walking out the door this week. My inside sources at The City say that lack of future planning and drumming up new business is as much to blame as losing some key accounts.
Maybe with 200 ex-GSD&Mers out on the streets, some new boutique shops will form.
Think McGarrah Jessee or The Butler Brothers.