Bozell CD Axed After Faux Pas

Bozell last week fired group creative director Rich Levy after the New York shop learned he had suggested to Verizon Wireless that the account be shifted to IPG sibling Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos, sources said.

Levy and Hill, Holliday’s chief integration officer Laurel Rossi recently proposed the idea at a meeting with Verizon Wireless’ vp of marketing, John Stratton, and vp of advertising, Marvin Davis, who both rejected the overture.

Stratton in turn alerted Bozell president Tom Ber nardin, who, with the client’s approval, dismissed Levy, sources said.

Levy, who had become unhappy at Bozell, and Rossi, who was trying to secure more Verizon business for Hill, Holliday, floated the plan with out the knowledge of senior management, including IPG vice chairman David Bell, sources said.