We arrived this morning to a flood of tips regarding the state of Translation, mainly that the NYC-based agency cut several staffers last week. While many of those on the Spy line were spouting numbers including “38,” we heard directly a short while ago from Translation founder/CEO Steve Stoute, who clarifies that he had to actually let go of 17 people across departments last Friday.
From what the exec tells us, it had nothing to do with specific client issues (and yes, we are looking into the one many of you mentioned), but that “when you grow to where we grew, [there are staffers] who are not culturally fit, are overpaid or are not qualified.” Stoute adds, “I have to keep the talent at my company at the same level as the opportunities that come our way.” We’ll keep you posted if and when we hear more.