Element 79 eyeing DDB merger?
ADVERTISING | Loss of Gatorade eliminates potential Busch account conflict
In the wake of Element 79/Chicago's devastating loss of both the Gatorade and Tropicana accounts Wednesday, sources close to developments say the severely wounded agency could once again be eyeing a merger with the slumping DDB/Chicago, which is looking for a new top creative leader and new clients.
This column already noted that the merger of both Element 79 and Downtown Partners/Chicago with DDB had been floated several weeks ago as a potential way to give DDB a quick boost. Most of the back office functions of both Element 79 and Downtown Partners already are handled by DDB. With Gatorade now out of the picture at Element 79, a major potential conflict with DDB's huge chunk of Anheuser-Busch business has been eliminated. Downtown Partners might very well carry on as a separate entity for now. DP's largish Northwestern Mutual account, a prestigious piece of business, poses a conflict with DDB's long-standing State Farm account, which has been on shaky ground in recent months. DDB's new campaign for State Farm, which is believed to have saved the business for the agency at least for now, has not been winning high marks from savvy creatives who've seen the work.
(AP file)
Sources say the revived merger game plan would put Element 79's top creative Dennis Ryan, whose resume includes a stint at DDB early in his career, into the top creative role at his old agency DDB. And John Noble, now head of production at Element 79, would fill the same slot at DDB currently occupied by Diane Jackson, who was known to be especially close to former DDB top creative Paul Tilley, who committed suicide in February. In fact, more than a few observers were stunned when Jackson opted to return to her production post at DDB after Tilley's funeral. "I thought she might have left the country," said one source, only half-jokingly.
In a city like Chicago, which is renowned for its architecture, everyone is bound to have wondered at one time or another what an under-construction edifice would be like when its doors finally opened. Well Zig/Chicago (formerly Hadrian's Wall) is helping ease our curiosity about at least one such new structure, the super-swank Elysian Hotel & Residences going up at Rush and Walton streets in the Gold Coast. Among other amenities, this property, we're told, will have its own spa and health club and restaurants overseen by Charlie Trotter, arguably the city's pre-eminent chef.
But all that's for when the building is completed. For now, Zig has pleasingly transformed the nondescript construction barriers around the building with little stories about what life at Elysian will be like when it is occupied. One story, for instance, suggests an Elysian occupant took the time to read the complete novels from both Bronte sisters. There's even an interactive component -- tear off a great panna cotta recipe if you like. And while savoring the stories, do enjoy the music piped into the walkway along the structure 24 hours a day.
Euro RSCG/Chicago has named Bernardo Gomez group creative director on the Sprint account. Gomez also will oversee general creative duties for Effen vodka. Gomez was the agency's creative director on the Citi account.
Zapwater Communications/ Chicago has added Mayra Camara as its first chief financial officer. Most recently, Camara was manager of analytics and assessments for Cohen Financial.
As part of a renewed seven-year partnership between United Airlines and the Chicago Bears, United is taking over naming rights of the former Cadillac Club at Soldier Field. The club is a three-level lounge available to Bears club and executive suite ticket holders. The new United Club signage will be on view for the Bears Expo June 7 and 8.
Glenview-based Merton G. Silbar Public Relations has been named agency of record for Midtown Athletic Clubs, including five clubs in the Chicago area and others in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Kansas City, Mo.; Atlanta, Ga., and Rochester, N.Y.
On Monday, Tropicana, a Chicago-based unit of PepsiCo, will unveil a $30 million-plus ad campaign to support Tropicana Pure Valencia, a premium juice product.
Deron Johnson has been promoted to vice president, public relations director at Rhea + Kaiser Marketing Communications in Naperville. Johnson will oversee an 18-person team and develop public relations strategy for R + K clients.
Mark Mitten, senior VP, marketing and legacy for the Chicago 2016 Olympic Committee, will be the luncheon speaker at the Chicago Association of Direct Marketing's IMX08 on April 30, at the Sheraton Chicago. Separately, Sid Liebenson has been named the 28th Charles S. Downs Direct Marketer of the Year by CADM.
The David James Group in Oakbrook Terrace has been agency of record for Mepaco, a manufacturer of food processing equipment.
Airlift Ideas/Chicago was tapped to re-brand the Ohio Lottery. Airlift was founded in 2006 by Shelley Rosen, whose career includes stints at Leo Burnett, Young & Rubicam and McDonald's.
