Last week Erwin Penland founder/president Joe Erwin announced his impending retirement, with the agency stating that a successor would be named shortly. Now, the South-Carolina agency has named chief marketing officer/chief client officer Joe Saracino as that successor, as he will take over for Erwin effective as of January 1, 2016.
“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,” Hill Holiday CEO Karen Kaplan told Adweek. “I have tremendous confidence that Joe and the team will move our joint vision for Erwin Penland forward successfully.”
Saracino joined the agency as chief marketing officer back in June of 2011, taking on additional responsibilities as chief client officer in September of 2014. During his time with Erwin Penland, Saracino has worked directly with Joe Erwin, as well as COO Allen Bosworth, CCO Con Williamson and chief planning officer Jessica Navas . Saracino brought on Williamson and Navas in 2013 and 2014 as part of a four-year plan to accelerate growth, during which time the agency has added such clients as Disney XD, L.L. Bean, The UPS Store and Califia Farms. Before joining Erwin Penland, Saracino spent over ten years with Verizon, serving in various marketing executive roles, including vice president of ecommerce and vice president of marketing communications.
“Being named Erwin Penland’s new president is an honor,” said Saracino. “In an industry that’s constantly evolving, it makes sense for us to do the same. We have been and will continue to be focused on driving our offerings in the creative, digital, content and experiential spaces as we provide the toolbox our clients need to succeed.”