• by Larissa Faw , November 23, 2015

Erwin Penland is promoting Joe Saracino from chief client officer to President. He succeeds retiring agency co-founder Joe Erwin on January 1, 2016. Erwin announced last week that he was stepping down after nearly 30 years with the agency.

The Greenville, SC-based shop has undergone significant changes since Saracino joined the agency as chief marketing officer in 2011. He has worked closely with senior executive team including agency veteran Chief Operating Officer Allen Bosworth, Chief Creative Officer Con Williamson and Chief Planning Officer Jessica Navas as part of a four-year plan to accelerate growth and land new business accounts.

During that time, the agency has enhanced its client service offerings and secured clients including L.L. Bean, The UPS Store, Disney XD, and, most recently, Califia Farms. 

“This succession plan has been rolling out over several years and I believe this final move will bring a fresh, new perspective to Erwin Penland leadership and their clients,” said Karen Kaplan, Chairman and CEO of Hill Holliday, Erwin Penland’s parent company. HH is part of Interpublic Group.

For his part, Erwin may be retiring from the agency, but plans to remain active in various pursuits including working in the South Carolina education world. 

In addition to its home base of Greenville, the 400-employee firm has an office in New York.