After spending seven years within the JWT network and the last two as executive chairman of JWT Action, Fred Bidwell is retiring from agency life and turning his focus to the Akron and Cleveland arts scene that he’s been involved in along with his wife through their Fred and Laura Ruth Bidwell Foundation.

As mentioned, Bidwell’s relationship with JWT dates back to 2005, when his retail marketing agency Malone Advertising became part of the network. Two years ago,  Bidwell took the helm as chairman of JWT Action, a North American, shopper-marketing focused joint venture (with bases in Akron, Chicago and NYC) that was the result of a merger between OgilvyAction and Malone. Bidwell will stay on board at JWT Action through the end of May and once he departs, the joint venture will be led by CEO Sheila Hartnett, Gail Kay and Ron Magliocco.