JWT Taps Man of God

NEW YORK – The new director of business development at J. Walter Thompson’s flagship office knows a thing or two about connecting people: he’s a former Presbyterian minister.
Jeff Chesebro was most recently vice president and director of new business at Partners & Shevack/Wolf here, where he helped land accounts such as Marine Midland Bank and Smith Corona. Earlier, he steered new business efforts at The Pollak Agency, a $5 million Edison, N.J., shop.
Chesebro, 46, left the ministry five years ago and went into advertising after turning down opportunities to sell cars and run a nonprofit group.
As senior partner in the new business unit, Chesebro manages a staff of five and, at times, coordinates the efforts of multiple offices.