Accepting a challenge to grow the $558 million agency into a $1 billion giant over the next two years, longtime industry heavyweight Steve Humphrey, the former president of Bronner Slosberg Humphrey in Boston, has accepted the position of chairman/CEO for FCB Direct Worldwide, New York.
Humphrey, who will bring nearly 35 years of industry know-how to FCB Direct, began his career working in general advertising at Ogilvy & Mather, New York, on the General Foods account. Although he eventually served as senior vice president, group director in charge of General Foods Worldwide, he also spent a period of time as manager of Avon Product Marketing. He is perhaps best known for his role in helping create and turn Bronner Slosberg Humphrey into a $675 million company with more than 800 employees.
Humphrey indicates he will take the helm at FCB Direct with a planned focus on enhancing the agency's relationship marketing capabilities as well as its digital, database and telemarketing resources.
Brenda Ryan, chairman of Foote, Cone & Belding Worldwide, New York, characterized Humphrey's move to the legendary Madison Avenue agency as “a phenomenal step forward for FCB Direct, [one that] will move FCB Direct into the top rank of the great direct marketing companies of the world.”
Foote, Cone & Belding, which was founded in 1873, is one of the largest advertising agencies in North America with 169 offices in 81 countries. Its parent company is True North Communications, Chicago.
