Y&R Detroit Fires, Hires in Search of 'Better Mix'

Young & Rubicam has laid off several high-ranking executives, including its COO, while making hires in an effort to achieve a “better mix” of employees for clients, president Laurie Null said.

John Gillis, COO, Linda Dintenfass, vice president of planning, and Rich Williams, senior vice president and group account direct who also worked on new business, were among six employees laid off in recent weeks by the Dearborn, Mich., shop.

Williams was brought into the agency last October by former president Michael Webster to focus on new business and diversifying the client base.