TBWA\Chiat\Day New York Goes Through Layoffs Following Loss of Accenture Account

Last month, Accenture announced its decision to take creative capabilities in-house following its acquisition of Droga5, which is now serving as the consultancy’s lead agency. When announcing the decision, a spokesperson for Accenture said that “the time has come to bring our creative in-house and begin using more of our own creative expertise, services and capabilities, including that of Droga5.”

The move brought an end to TBWA\Chiat\Day New York’s nearly 10-year relationship with Accenture. In 2011, it was named global advertising agency of record for the company.

UM still handles media buying and planning for Accenture.

Chris Beresford-Hill, chief creative officer of TBWA’s New York office, sent a memo to agency staffers on Oct. 29 to notify them of the layoffs. In the email, he said that Accenture’s decision to move its advertising in-house “forced us to make some tough decisions.”

The letter was also signed by TBWA\Chiat\Day New York CEO Rob Schwartz, president Nancy Reyes, chief strategy officer James Sowden, chief financial officer Brad Apelgren and chief talent officer Amie Miller.

It can be read in full below:

Dear NY,

Today was not a good day.

We said goodbye to some colleagues and friends.

Accenture’s decision to move its advertising in-house forced us to make some tough decisions. It is without a doubt, the worst part of this business, and it is never taken lightly.

We are nothing but grateful and appreciative of the contributions these people made here.

There are things we can look forward to, but it’s hard to see beyond today. So for right now, let’s not. Let’s do the right thing, and be there for our friends, and focus on that.

Rob, Nancy, James, Brad, Amie & CBH