Richards Taps New-Business Boss

The Richards Group has put principal Diane Fannon in charge of new-business development.

In addition to overseeing her current clients, Fannon will serve as the Dallas agency’s primary contact for requests for proposals, search consultants and new-business inquiries.

“We collectively decided that our clients and the agency would best be served by this centralized effort,” said Fannon, who will coordinate new-business efforts for the shop’s 18 principals. “Our new business efforts have always been strong due to the depth of our group, and I look forward to my additional role.”

Fannon is responsible for two of Richards’ clients, Expo Design Center and Fruit of the Loom.

She joined The Richards Group in 2000 shortly after leaving Temerlin McClain, where she was executive vice president and managing director in charge of the Irving, Texas-based agency’s J.C. Penney and Adams Golf accounts.

Fannon began her career as a copywriter at Grey in New York.

“Diane’s combination of creative and account management expertise is a rare and powerful asset,” said agency founder and principal Stan Richards in a statement. “Her personable nature and previous experience makes her the natural choice for the job.”

Fannon heads up the new-business team at a time when some$175 million hangs in the balance. Richards is a finalist for both the creative portion of Hyundai’s $160 million account and Robert Mondavi’s estimated $15 million business.