• by Richard Whitman , Columnist, October 8, 2013

In a move that sounds like we're living in the land of Star Trek's Federation, Boston-based BEAM has hired Josh Teixeira who was most recently vice president of product and platform strategy at Big Spaceship. Teixeira will fill the new position of vice president, director of strategy and focus on "fostering deeper relationships with consumers via advanced content strategy and experience design." In English, he'll make ad copy sound like cocktail party speak. Oh and we just couldn't let that be that without sharing the verbal diarrhea some PR wank made Teixeira puke up, "BEAM's data-driven approach to end-to-end experience design presents an opportunity to realize a new level of client partnership. Having the responsibility to shape all aspects of digital work for clients, from marketing to site design and optimization, through post-purchase communications, is indeed a rare opportunity to put my full skillset to work.” It goes on. And on. Who talks like this?

It would seem Wells Fargo is seeking a new ad agency. After a 20 year relationship with DDB, a Wells Fargo spokesperson told  AgencySpy, “We are very proud of our advertising. As we continue to evolve our brand to align with our growing business and broader marketing and brand strategies, it is the right time to explore agency options.” And that pretty much confirms Wells Fargo is on the hunt for a new agency.

Looks like a big step up for Publicis Groupe Europe head Arthur Sadoun. Maurice Levy has named Sadoun CEO of Publicis Worldwide. The 42-year-old Sadoun will report directly to Levy and become a member of the Publicis Groupe executive committee. With Levy and Omnicom CEO John Wren planning to run the merged agencies for 30 months and Wren planing to move into a chairman position within five years, Sadoun will, very soon, be in the running, among others, to take control of the entire merged operation.

Yesterday, Leo Burnett Chief Creative Officer Susan Credle was honored as the 2013 Chicago Ad Woman of the Year at a luncheon held by the Chicago Advertising Federation. Credle was the 55th woman to receive WOTY honors from the CAF. She has been with Leo Burnett for four years and came to the agency from BBDO New York where she began her career as receptionist and rose through the ranks to a top creative spot within the agency.

Farmington, CT-based Keiler has hired Jerome Barrillon, an industrial marketing specialist, as Executive Director of Industrial Accounts, a new position at the 50-person shop. He will oversee strategic and marketing services for the agency's industrial business and will lead efforts to develop new business in industrial and manufacturing sectors. Barrillon comes to Keiler with more than 15 years in senior marketing and business development roles at international industrial and manufacturing companies including Ahlstrom and Illinois Tool Works. See? Not all advertising jobs are about winning awards at Cannes. Some just keep the wheels of commerce turning.