Commentary

GroupM's Rob Norman Wants Dee Salomon's Number

Who knew? Actually, everyone. Wait, you don't know what I'm talking about? Allow me to enlighten. Yesterday, long-time MediaLink SVP Dee Salomon was named CMO of the media consultancy. But that's not what we're talking about. Oh, sure, that's news but we have something better. OK, OK, it's not earth-shattering but it's got a cute angle. Did you know that Dee Salomon lives with GroupM Global Chief Digital Officer Rob Norman? Yes, I told you. Not earth-shattering but Norman did leave Salomon a very nice congratulatory message on her Facebook page yesterday which read, "Does anyone have this woman's phone number? Very proud indeed!" Sweet, right?

Unless you've been under a rock these past few days, you've certainly heard Volvo has moved its global creative business to Grey London cutting Arnold out of the mix. One agency's gain is always another's loss. Today, Arnold CEO Robert LePlae sent an uplifting (as uplifting as things can be in a situation like this) note to Arnold staff which read  in part, "You should be very proud of your dedication and commitment to the brand through the length of our partnership.  We are leaning forward with the momentum of some wins and a very rich pipeline of new client opportunities, including automotive.  2014 is going to be a very strong year for us." 

Gareth Kay is a well-known name in advertising circles and justifiably so. Having done stints at Modernista! (loved that shop) and Goodby, Silverstein & Partners where, in 2009, he joined as director of digital strategy and ultimately became associate partner, Kay has made a name for himself in the business. Which, of course, is why everyone is so curious why he's leaving Goodby. While, no doubt, Kay will not disappoint in the future, all we are told for now is that he's on "stealth mode" with a new venture. Patience, people. Patience.

All hell's breaking loose in India over GlaxoSmithKline's requiring agencies that win its business to pay a sign-on bonus. The practice has been called "lazy" and "bullying" by some and lauded by others who say it will net out media agencies' allegedly overcharging commissions. Of the move, Y&R and Lintas ad vet Preet Bedi told India Times, "The concept of a sign-on bonus payable by agencies to clients is a masterstroke. As an agency man, I would obviously have opposed it but from the outside, I know it's a great idea. One, it forces agencies to pitch only for brands they really wish to be associated with and vice versa. Secondly, it forces agencies to make upfront investment in the new business; currently agencies spend peanuts on new client acquisition. Thirdly, it will force transparency in agency remuneration." Further supporting the move, Tata Sky CEO Harit Nagpal said, "Why are agencies complaining? If none of them is willing to pay, it won't happen. And if even one of them is willing, and the client goes for it, disregarding the agency's merit, he deserves it." Watch out, Madison Avenue. This practice could make its way to America.

Here's some festive news. To celebrate the holidays and call attention to ThinkLA's Holiday Gala and Toys For Tots Drive, RPA execs appear in :15 videos to share their fondest childhood Christmas memory. While the effort has collected over 1,000 toys from Southern California agencies, ThinkLA expects many more to be donated during the Gala Thursday, December 5. You can view all the video's here

advertisement

advertisement

.
Next story loading loading..