Ammirati Puris Lintas has hired Steve Rabosky in the new role of
chief creative officer over the head of its executive creative director,
Nick Welch.
The appointment comes just two weeks after the departure of Andrew
Cracknell, APL’s chairman, and the promotion of William Eccleshare and
Chris Thomas to chairman and chief executive respectively (Campaign, 25
September).
Rabosky, 45, was hired six months ago by Martin Puris, APL Worldwide’s
chief executive, to work on global brands such as Unilever. He joins the
London agency in November and will work closely with Thomas, who is
charged with improving the agency’s creative product.
Welch, who became executive creative director a year ago, retains his
title. However, his main responsibility will now be as creative director
on the Rover business. He will also return to writing and is seeking an
art director partner.
Thomas said: ’The work has been getting better but some accounts are not
perfect. This was an opportunity to bring in someone with talent who
would be a good partner for William and me. Nick has done a wonderful
job and will remain influential.’
Rabosky said: ’Chris and I hit it off from day one; he has an energy and
a passion about creative work. The target is to make the work
better.’
Rabosky insisted he would work closely with Welch. ’I will give him as
much responsibility as he can take. It’s not about titles. It’s about
the quality of ideas,’ he said.
Welch commented: ’My view on it is pretty positive. It suits where I
want to be at the moment and I am happy to make a go of it. I will work
with Steve to get the best out of our department.’
Rabosky began his career in 1975 as a copywriter. He joined TBWA/Chiat
Day in Los Angeles in 1983, becoming creative director in 1989 and
executive creative director/managing partner in 1995.
Editor’s comment, p23.
