Doner's Direct Course In Baltimore Leads To Layoffs, Account Shifts

Last Tuesday was a black day at W.B. Doner in Baltimore as the shop, in the throes of restructuring into a “brand response” agency with a direct marketing focus, laid off 24 staffers.
Former executive vice president and creative director John Parlato will move to the agency’s headquarters in Southfield, Mich., with at least two general service accounts: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Arby’s and Bush Beans of Knoxville, Tenn. Parlato will be a creative director in Southfield and will work on several accounts.
Doner Direct’s Scott Rasmussen will head the creative department in the Baltimore office.
For several months, agency officials denied repeated rumors that Doner’s Baltimore operation was becoming a direct shop.