Count on a warm event next January when Tony Weisman, CEO of Digitas, accepts the Silver Medal Award from the Chicago Advertising Federation, for a lifetime of contributions and accomplishments.
An agency veteran of 38 years, Weisman, a native Chicagoan, sets the strategic course and vision for DigitasLBI’s largest region (estimated at $400 million) with clients that include American Express, Sprint, Delta, Taco Bell eBay and Astra Zeneca, says the CAF in making the announcement.
Prior to joining Digitas in 2013, he was chief marketing director at DraftFCB for four years and held various management positions at Leo Burnett during his 19 years there.
“Advertising is in my blood,” he once said; his father had worked at Foote, Cone & Belding. His love of advertising and his diversity and inclusiveness advocacy are two constants throughout his career.
Often referred to as Digitas’ “Chief People Advocate,” he’s the agency champion for culture, diversity and talent.
Under his leadership, the agency has received many accolades, including Ad Age’s “best Places to work,” Adweek’s Media Plan of the Year, Linked LinkedIn’s Most InDemand Employers; IAB’s Most Awarded Agency of the Decade, MAIP Agency of the Year, Best Places for LGBT Equality/HRC, and a “Top 50 Companies for Executive Women”/NAFE (national association of female Executives).
A graduate of Brown University, Weisman is currently a Board member of PTTOW! and the Ad Council and former Board member and Honorary Past Chair of Chicago Public Media, Off The Street Club, Chicago Tech Week and the 4As Chicago Chapter.
The Silver Medal was first awarded in 1959. Honorees are chosen by a 24-member board that evaluates candidates based on a set of key attributes:
· Contributions to their company;
· Creative ability, demonstrating a consistent, high degree of original thinking in their field;
· Contributions to the general advancement of advertising;
· Contributions to the community, active in civic, religious, or other groups dedicated to human or social welfare.
Details about the Silver Medal Award will be available shortly.
