Billed as an “entreprenuer” and a “talent builder,” Jeff Odiorne has joined the Grey ranks in its NY office as co-chief creative officer. As far as the “entrepreneur” part goes, Odiorne founded and served as chairman/ECD Odiorne Wilde Narraway and Partners, which helped launch Electronic Arts back in the mid-90’s. According to the folks behind OWNP (there is an interesting saga related to that here; thx tipster), the shop’s alumni have gone on to success at Crispin, BBH, Goodby and TBWA/Chiat/Day.
Background, you ask? Odiorne began his career as a CW at Y&R Rochester before moving to the West Coast to work for Chiat/Day, Goldberg Moser O’Neill and Publicis & Hal Riney. During his tenure at OWNP, Odiorne oversaw client work for Lucky Brand jeans, Bay Area Mercedes dealers, California Burger King franchisees and Salon.com. In a statement, Grey NY president/CCO Tor Myhren sings the obligatory praises, saying, “He has a crystal clear vision. He is decisive and people want to follow him into battle. Jeff fits into our culture perfectly. He is one of the smartest guys I know, but he mixes that with a gritty relentless, ‘get it done’ blue collar work ethic.”