Doremus, in keeping with its penchant for promoting from within, has found its new global CEO inside the agency.
Howard Sherman, who joined the shop in 2004 and assumed the No. 2 role of president worldwide in 2008, today became the top executive, succeeding Carl Anderson, who shifts to chairman.
Anderson, a 27-year veteran of the business-to-business specialist shop, had been CEO since 2000. As chairman, he’ll focus on expanding the Omnicom Group agency’s capabilities and global footprint, in part through acquisitions.
The agency employs more than 200 staffers at offices in six cities, including New York, London, Frankfurt and Beijing. Top accounts include Hewlett-Packard, Corning, BNY Mellon and Visa.
The changing of the guard had been in the works for more than a year. Sherman, 57, becomes just the sixth CEO in Doremus’ 110-year history—a remarkably small number in the volatile world of advertising. The agency celebrated its big number anniversary last month.
Like Sherman, Anderson, 60, was president before becoming CEO. He joined the agency in 1986 as controller and rose to president in 1992. In his new role as chairman, “he’s going to be around for as long as he wants to be,” Sherman said.
In handing the brass ring to Sherman, Anderson urged him to make sure that Doremus stayed relevant to its clients and their ever-evolving needs. Asked what he has learned from Anderson, Sherman replied simply, “Carl is all about bringing out the best in people. He’s masterful at it.”
As for his own leadership style, Sherman also referred to his troops.
“It’s all about attracting talented people who are passionate about the business of business and can help guide clients through ambiguous and challenging times,” Sherman said.
With the change at the top, Doremus also tweaked the titles of business and creative leaders in New York, London and San Francisco. Managing directors at those offices are now presidents and executive creative directors have been rechristened chief creative officers. Also, at the global level, chief financial officer Vera Trulby added the title of chief operating officer.
     |