CHICAGO Jamie King (pictured), most recently president and CEO of Hal Riney & Partners in San Francisco, has joined Euro RSCG here as co-president.
Also promoted to the co-president post at the Havas-owned agency is Joy Schwartz, whose title had been executive director.
They report to Euro RSCG Chicago CEO and North America COO Ron Bess.
“Both Jamie and Joy’s track records demonstrate their ability to lead dramatic agency growth,” said Bess, in a statement. “They are two talented individuals who will work together to continue to bring our unified agency model to life and lead our agency and clients into the future.” The office has enjoyed strong growth of late, surging to 250 people from less than 100 about four years ago. Estimated revenue in the past year shot up 15-20 percent to $40 million-plus.
King will lead several of the agency’s key client relationships and guide new-business development. Schwartz will also oversee several accounts while continuing to lead the agency’s Citibank business.
King worked in Chicago for 10 years of his career, mainly at Leo Burnett and its LB Works unit, before moving to Publicis & Hal Riney in San Francisco as managing director of the Publicis Groupe shop. He led the teams responsible for the agency’s Blue Cross & Blue Shield, AAA, Pinnacle Foods, Altoids and U.S. Cellular wins. He became president and CEO two years ago.
Schwartz joined Euro RSCG in 2003 as vp, account director. During her tenure, she was instrumental in both the agency’s Sprint and Citibank wins.
A Riney rep said S.F. CCO Roger Camp and Susan Gianinno, chairman, Publicis USA, have been leading the search for King’s successor. “They’ve narrowed their search to a few top national candidates, and expect to make a final decision in the next few weeks,” the rep said.
