Hasta La Creative!

Gerry Graf bounced out of TBWA to Saatchi & Saatchi this past March to replace Tony Granger and you know how it goes. The new ECD comes in and everyone can expect a creative shake-up.

In August, Graf took CD, Kerry Keenan off of the JC Penney account and replaced him with Amie Valentine, a CD from McCann Erickson. Someone was going to have pay for the Cannes debacle and Keenan got the axe. He also pushed Ann Hayden off of General Mills. Both Keenan and Hayden said they were headed for other shops.

According to Adweek, in the last seven days, Graf has also added a creative director, Manny Galan, who will be dealing with some of the General Mills business. Manny, by the way, is also an illustrator and worked for Marvel Comics in the 90s (see example above). I love that part. The more nontraditional folk in the ad game, the better if you ask me.

Two associate creative directors were also added to work across the agency’s portfolio. Chris Beresford-Hill and Nick Spahr come from Goodby.

Comments (View)

function() {
links = document.getElementsByTagName(‘a’);
query = ‘?’;
for(var i = 0; i = 0) {
query += ‘url’ + i + ‘=’ + encodeURIComponent(links[i].href) + ‘&’;
}
}
document.write(”);
})();

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media

LONDON – Former French international footballer David Ginola is planning to launch a wine range into the UK. The one-time Newcastle United winger returned to the northeast to unveil his new rose wine, with former manager Kevin Keegan appearing alongside him for the launch.

Spot Aimed at Republican Delegates

Australian juice company Spring Valley’s latest campaign from George Patterson Y&R takes an educational turn, as they aim to help people recapture their “Sensibles.” The full history of Sensibles is explained at their Web site, but they’re basically little symbiotic Hutt broodlings that kept primitive man from doing anything too stupid. Unfortunately, humans have been neglecting their Sensibles lately by doing things like listening to German trance music. (I must say, it’s nice to have a consumer product agree with me on that.) Thankfully, drinking Spring Valley can nurse your Sensible back to health. And not a moment too soon. If you think your own personal Sensible is in bad shape, you should also consider seeing Captain Sensible.

—Posted by David Kiefaber

LONDON – BMI is targeting businesses customers with a press campaign highlighting its sale fares to destinations that are booming on the back of the strong oil and gas market.

Weiden + Kennedy is creating a new marketing push for Coke Zero. According to an article in Brand Republic, limited edition bottles are being created to promote the latest James Bond film. And, Coke Zero will also temporarily change its name to ‘Zero Zero 7’. Um, ok. I guess nothing says espionage like a sugar free, calorie free carbonated beverage. I do hope that Coke has worked out a deal to have Bond order one of these at the bar instead of his signature martini.

The article mentions that this promotion is part of Coke’s plan to match Daniel Craig’s “edgier” image to their target market of men. Apparently this is their first global effort since the brands launch in 2006. I say it’s a sad first attempt.

Comments (View)

function() {
links = document.getElementsByTagName(‘a’);
query = ‘?’;
for(var i = 0; i = 0) {
query += ‘url’ + i + ‘=’ + encodeURIComponent(links[i].href) + ‘&’;
}
}
document.write(”);
})();

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media

I suppose some left-wingers will object to the U.S. Army setting up a high-tech “Experience Center” in a Philadelphia mall. Frankly, I can’t think of a better place for young people to prepare for military service. The center is next door to a Sam Ash music-equipment store, and the sounds emanating from there will allow would-be recruits to build up a healthy resistance to torture. The Dave & Buster’s across the way will get them used to mess-hall grub. And at the H&R Block, they can watch their friends who got MBAs and cushy white-collar jobs invest their money. Most important, holiday shopping season will soon be here, providing some practical exposure to combat. You’ve got be strong to fight your way through the food court to the Crate & Barrel on Dec. 24. Army strong.

—Posted by David Gianatasio

Advertising Agency: Publicis, Romania

LONDON – BT is to help Childline raise money to boost its night-time helpline by handing it 5% of revenue generated by online searches carried out through BT Yahoo!.

LONDON – M&C Saatchi has released an ad for NatWest, featuring comedian Kevin Bishop.