Barry Burdiak leaves DDB for Epsilon
Barry Burdiak, a nearly 30-year veteran of DDB Chicago, has left the agency to lead data-driven Epsilon Chicago as Senior Vice President, Executive Creative Director. He’ll focus on new business efforts for new and existing clients. A mutiple Cannes Lion winner and Emmy nominee, he will report to a former DDB colleague, CCO John Immesoete.
Burdiak told Reel Chicago about his new adventure, “In the past, we’ve always sold great work by persuading clients to trust our insights, wisdom and experience. Now, data is the bully in the playground that’s backing us up. And that makes for a really easy sell.”
Burdiak joined DDB (when it was called ‘Needham’) in 1988. As he grew through the ranks in the agency, Burdiak created award-winning work for Budweiser, eventually promoted to run the brand and then when the beer left, moved his considerable talents over to oversee State Farm and McDonald’s. Here is one of his more recent spots for State Farm:
New STORY director Kevin Smith shoots first campaign this week
Award-winning director Kevin Smith, who just landed at STORY, is shooting his first campaign for Mark Androw and company this week. It’s a national two-spot pharmaceutical brand campaign for healthcare agency, Abelson-Taylor, which is shooting in a bowling alley in Berwyn.
Smith, whose recent work includes campaigns for Home Depot, AT&T, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Carnation, is known for an intelligent, meticulously-crafted style of subtle, sometimes ironic humor.
“Kevin is a great addition to our roster,” said STORY executive producer Mark Androw. “I have admired Kevin’s work and work ethic for years. Kevin directs with a very light and deft hand comedy that comes out of natural, real life situations.”
Here is an example of one of Smith’s spots for Hebrew National:
Rich Stoddart to succeed Eric Belcher as CEO of Inner Workings
Inner Workings, the leading global marketing execution firm, has announced that President and Chief Executive Officer, Eric Belcher, will be succeeded by Rich Stoddart, who is currently serving as Global President of Publicis Groupe’s Leo Burnett Worldwide.
Stoddart, who has held the Burnett position since 2016, will be appointed President & Chief Executive Officer of InnerWorkings, Inc. and will join its Board of Directors effective on or before April 5, 2018, at which time Mr. Belcher will transition to the role of Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors.
He said in the same statement, “I am thrilled to be joining InnerWorkings at such an exciting time. Eric and the team have done a tremendous job establishing InnerWorkings as an industry leader, and we see significant opportunity to leverage our unique position in the marketplace to grow the business.”
Chicagoans join new AICP 2018 National Board & Post Council
AICP has announced the composition of its 2018 National Board of Directors and the roster of its new Post Production Council. Both feature a prestigious group of Chicagoans including Mark Androw of STORY who will again serve as Treasurer. Joining Androw, who is also Midwest Region Director, and second-term Chairman of the Board, Ralph Laucella, will be newly-elected Director Craig Duncan of Cutters (as previously reported in Reel Chicago).
The Post Production Council will include Tom Duff of Optimus, Mary Caddy of The Colonie, Mary Connolly of Cutters, Craig Lewandowski of Utopic, Ron Rendon of Beast and again, Duncan.
“We’re delighted with the newly constituted AICP National Board, and welcome our new members as well as returning Directors,” noted Matt Miller, AICP President & CEO. This is a smart, informed and proactive group that will ensure AICP keeps moving forward.”
For a full list of names, click here.
Guthrey and Samuel make it official
We reported last September, that former EnergyBBDOer Rowley Samuel and Gay Guthrey would be teaming up to form a new representation firm. Now, the two have now made it official by announcing SamuelGuthrey on Linkedin and Facebook.
“Bringing on Rowley as a partner will help me future-proof the firm that I have built. He will help me re-think some of our strategies in order to appeal to a new generation of clients that have a much broader range of content needs,” Guthrey said in her Linkedin post.
MIFF begins search for new Executive Director
The Midwest Independent Film Festival has begun the search to replace Mike McNamara as Executive Director. Mike Kwielford has been serving as interim director along with Mary Kay Cook as Festival Advisory Council President.
On the website it says, “The Executive Director of the Midwest Independent Film Festival will uphold the festival mission and provide leadership to the festival team, while developing and strengthening bonds with filmmakers, sponsors, members & guests.”
McNamara stepped down from the position for personal reasons last November.
To throw your name into the ring, click here.
