Today MDC Partners’ KBS confirmed that its New York office went through a round of layoffs earlier this week.
While not providing specifics on the number of employees impacted, a KBS representative cited the need to “restructure our offering and resources based on the needs of our clients,” adding, “With 21 new business wins since Jan. 1, we’re growing and hiring too, but we’re also taking steps to ensure that the kinds of talent we have are the kinds of talent our clients’ businesses require. It’s difficult, but it’s important for the health of the agency.”
The spokesperson told us that the changes weren’t related to any specific piece of business, but rather reflected a general restructuring across several accounts and departments. Sources claim that the total number of staffers affected was in the low two digits.
As noted in the above statement, the latest news follows a string of wins for the agency, which scored AOR duties for Red Robin at the start of July following a review launched in April. Back in June, Stanley Black & Decker consolidated its digital account with the agency, which also welcomed new global CCO Patrick Scissons that month.
Beyond the new CCO, KBS also promoted Katie Klumper to president of its New York offices, Jonah Bloom to global chief strategy officer and Matt Powell to global chief technology officer. Last week, KBS hired Michele Prota (formerly with Barbarian Group) as its global chief talent officer.