Jay Russell, GCD at GSD&M is leaving to go to Crispin Porter Bogusky. Heading off with him is partner Mitch Bennett (Update: Russell as CD, Bennett as ACD). Russell is the CD on BMW and according to a source is well liked by the client.
Tied to the move is speculation that the departure could mean Crispin is making a bid for BMW, but we’re reminded that the client recently awarded GSD&M their global account.
Asked if the agency is planning a move on BMW, a CPB representative responded “As a policy, we never discuss anything related to new business — in or out.” As if they’d have answered that anyway. But the question remains: which car company will Crispin go after? This move certainly hints that the agency is gearing up with car-minded creatives — though we have heard Russell will be working on other accounts once at CPB.
More: “Audi Sticks it to BMW, Meredes, With Help From Venables Bell”