GSD&M

A lot of happenings to report at the Austin-based, Omnicom-owned GSD&M, which has confirmed that Jay Russell has been appointed as executive creative director at the agency. From what one tipster tells us, “They finally got it right.”In addition to the promotion of Russell, who rejoined GSD&M after a stint at CP+B, the former has promoted Marianne Malina (welcome back) to president, will have Betty Pat McCoy and Carmen Graf to lead the media department and name Jeanne Crockett as SVP/operations.

During his first stint at the TX-based GSD&M, Russell eventually moved up to group creative director on the now-defunct BMW biz. The new creative boss will take over for Mike Wilson, who was ousted from GSD&M nearly 18 months ago.

 

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Well, guess you can’t win ‘em all, McGarryBowen. Barely a week after narrowing its creative agency search down to two finalists, GSD&M and the aforementioned McGB, Walgreens has reportedly decided on the former. Here’s a note a tipster sent to us around 9:45 this morning: “GSD&M is new agency of record for Walgreens, besting BBDO, McGarry Bowen and united Publicis offering (they were the incumbent).” The “Publicis offering” we believe they’re referring to is the digital marketing work for the chain, which was previously handled by Digitas.

Neither GSD&M nor Walgreens responded to our inquiries this morning. According to AdAge, the review didn’t include multicultural, media or digital media planning/buying.

For most Americans, the hope of a “White Christmas” is diminishing with each new weather report. So, GSD&M and Mullen are taking it upon themselves to give a wintry experience to those whom God has deprived of snow and fun.

GSD&M is presenting the “One-Sided Snowball Fight,” an opportunity for users to pelt helpless employees with snowballs. The dude in the Santa costume in Andy Miller, a creative director/copywriter at the agency. When typing in “creative” on the site’s search bar, Mr. Miller is the first person who comes up, which is why his video gets on our site. Ah, the power of SEO.

Currently, GCD Jay Russell has been engaged in more snowball combats than any employee according to the site leaderboard (609 times). If you recall, Jay returned to the agency in July after a stint at CP+B. Obviously, the man was missed.

Meanwhile, Mullen is using Google Maps’ API to create “Snowify.Me,” a website that adds snow to any location. From the location, users can add a variety of holiday decorations that change size according to distance (including the Royal Couple and Occupy Wall Street-ers). Pictured above, you’ll find MediaBistro’s NYC offices (link here). If only it was actually this festive in real life. Applause to GSD&M and Mullen for the gift of seasonally appropriate weather.

While they await the HomeAway decision (with unbridled enthusiasm), GSD&M has been awarded the creative business for two Crown Imports brands in the meantime. The Austin-based agency will now support the up-and-coming Pacifico and Victoria brews (#15 and #20 import beers in the U.S., respectively, according to their stats) on general market consumer positioning, creative strategy and execution.

GSD&M, whether you know it or not, was involved in the Corona Light/Modelo pitch from a couple of months ago, though those two accounts eventually went to Goodby. But, apparently, the Austin operation made an impression on Crown at the time, which explains why the agency won two pieces of business today. In a statement, Crown Imports CMO Jim Sabia says, “Our current momentum coupled with projected growth for Victoria and Pacifico requires innovative creative executions. Moving forward GSD&M’s work will deliver on that need, further positioning Victoria and Pacifico to build on current success and fully leverage the incredible potential of these great beer brands.”

The Pacifico and Victoria creative work had previously been handled by Creature and Pereira & O’Dell, respectively. Having now taken over, GSD&M will be implementing new ad creative in the U.S. for Pacifico while also helping gain visibility and building brand loyalty for the relatively new Victoria beer. From what we hear, the agency is also building a bar in their office, so now we have a pretty good idea what they’ll be stocking it with.

Vacation rental marketplace HomeAway, they of pulled Super Bowl ad fame, is getting some love it appears from fellow Austin-based operation GSD&M. A tipster sent us the above image that apparently shows plenty of agency staffers making a rather noticeable plea for the HomeAway account across the street from the latter company’s headquarters. HomeAway had been working with another Austin shop, Vendor Inc., which of course was responsible for the infamous “smushed baby” Super Bowl spot. Just two weeks ago, though, HomeAway announced that it was starting fresh and searching for a new creative agency (call us shocked). So, will this outdoor stunt by GSD&M work in its favor? It looks like HomeAway is expected to announce its new agency partner by month’s end, and GSD&M has been in the conversation, so guess we’ll find out soon enough.

If you’re an agency, what better way to celebrate your birthday than with an account win? With the candles set to be blown in honor of its 40th anniversary next month, GSD&M has announced that it’s been named creative agency of record for Austin City Limits, which is being heralded as “the longest running music show in TV history” and one we watch at midnight when SNL gets terrible (so, most of the time). Wait, two hometown entities bonding, you say? Call us shocked, but ACL’s GM Tom Gimbel says in a statement, “GSD&M has deeps roots in Austin and has long been a supporter and contributor to the arts community. They are the ideal partner for us and bring a lot of passion and experience to this relationship.” The creative work was previously handled in-house. Here’s one performance from the public TV show above.

Guess there’s no place like home. As wonderfully named commenter BootsyCollins noted in our post on Omid Farhang yesterday, Jay Russell had indeed headed back to Austin to serve as VP/managing group creative director at GSD&M (he is one of four managing GCDs overseeing the creative department at the agency). Actually, it seems like it’s been in the works for quite a while, but nonetheless, the Idea City’s former BMW creative lead harbors no ill will towards his former Boulder-based employer, saying, “Crispin is [an] amazing place, but GSD&M is where my heart is. The agency is putting all of the right pieces in place to really take off in the coming years.”

During his time as a CD at CP+B, Russell managed the Microsoft Windows account and helped launched the Windows Phone internationally. Prior to originally joining GSD&M, Russell worked on Bud Light and other business at DDB, served as a CD at Square One on the Miller Brewing biz and was a CD on Nationwide Insurance at TM Advertising.

The rumor mill keeps churning like butter today as the Spy line tells us that three ex-GSD&M-ers—Jonathan Silverstein, John Trahar and Karen Jacobs-who we’ve been told have “all left at earlier times this year,” have started a new agency. Silverstein spent eight years at GSD&M as SVP, group account director, Trahar racked up 14 years of tenure and eventually served as SVP/GCD and Jacobs logged in six as SVP, head of production. Our tipsters’ claims that they may have poached clients from their former employer remain unfounded at this point. Maybe Jacobs’ LinkedIn status (above) gives us a clue (but not really).

 

Well, here’s some good news to report from the GSD&M camp. The Austin-based agency has been named digital creative partner for discount–er, sorry, “off-price”–retailer Marshalls, which we always had trouble distinguishing from TJ Maxx (well, they’re both TJX companies after all). Anyhow, it was a rather convenient move considering that GSD&M has served as Marshalls’ creative AOR since 2008. Regarding the brand’s decision to go with GSD&M, Marshalls VP of marketing Emily Trent says, “GSD&M has been great partners in bringing the Marshalls vision to life. This vision coupled with their experience in the retail and digital space made it the right decision to move all digital, print and broadcast creative under one roof.”

The Marshalls digital biz had previously been handled by Hill Holliday.

Could GSD&M now stand for “Good Schooling is Dank and Magical?” Just like the peeps at 72andSunny, the Austin-based agency formerly known colloquially as “Idea City” is entering the realm of academia with its new school, the Austin Creative Department.

According to the school’s website, the ACD tries to distinguish its curriculum, price ($750 per course) and teaching-style from others in that classes are “taught by senior-level working professionals, not by full-time ‘teachers.’” We’ve also heard that the schools founder and director, GSD&M CD Will Chau (pictured) intends to bring people from all over the nation as guest teachers and lecturers. Aside from a few photographers, the current list of those participating in the school is solely the GSD&M cast, so we’re eager to see who else Chau has up his sleeve.

Classes start in June, and find out enrollment information here.