BBDO’s New York headquarters let an unspecified number of staffers go this week, a spokesperson confirmed today.
The news comes after a January staffing reduction tied to longtime client Lowe’s announcement that it would be shifting toward a regional, project-based marketing model. (The business later went to Ep + Co., Conill and VIA of Maine.)
“BBDO New York is continuing to reduce its staff due to business considerations,” the spokesperson said. “Reductions are taking place across departments and levels, and are in addition to the small round of layoffs announced earlier this year.”
As noted in the statement, the move is ongoing and it’s not clear how many staff members will ultimately be affected. But indications are that the number is currently in the low two digits and, again as noted in the quote above, all departments are involved.
Every creative agency is currently in a state of flux. Droga5 laid off 40 last month, and we learned just over a week ago that Wieden + Kennedy will part with the leadership of The Lodge.
But BBDO has recently competed for several major accounts that went elsewhere, namely Lowe’s, GE Appliances (which picked FCB) and Campbell. Publicis won the latter brand, which had worked with BBDO for nearly 65 years—so staffing reductions were unfortunately all but inevitable.
We will update this story as more information comes in.