Speaking of layoffs, we’ve received quite a few tips about staffing changes this week. First, we hear that Intel’s agency review, which started in August and ended with a win for mcgarrybowen two weeks ago, led to layoffs at Venables Bell & Partners. (VB&P won the business in January 2009.)
We reached out to the agency but have yet to receive a response, so we have no specifics on who was (allegedly) let go.
Second, we can confirm that DDB lost its CIO earlier this week.
Here’s the internal memo:
I regret to inform you that effective today, Monday, October 27, 2014, Joe Rigger is no longer with DDB Worldwide as its Chief Information Officer for North America. I want to thank Joe for all he’s done for DDB and wish him well in his future endeavors.
Lewis Brooks has been promoted to Worldwide Chief Information Officer and will assume IT responsibilities for North America, in addition to the responsibilities he currently performs for EMEA, Latam and Asia/Pacific.
Lewis will be reaching out to the North American offices to say hello and ensure a smooth transition. Please congratulate him in his new role and give him your full support.
Rigger had been with DDB in various IT roles for nearly 20 years; no word on where he’s headed.
Finally, we hear that a round of layoffs occurred at Toronto’s Union Creative this week. While a tipster claims that these changes affected up to ten percent of the agency’s staff, we are still waiting for Union to give us more information.
Updates when they arrive.