Garry Neel to Global Account Director – General Motors, McCann Worldgroup

BIRMINGHAM, MI – August 9, 2010 – Joe Garcia is joining McCann Midwest in Birmingham, MI as President, effective August 16, 2010.  Garry Neel, who previously held a dual role leading McCann Midwest and overseeing the General Motors business, is shifting to a dedicated role for General Motors, overseeing the business globally and in the U.S. as Executive Vice President, Global Account Director.  Garcia previously headed BBDO’s Detroit operations and oversaw that agency’s Chrysler business.

In making the announcement, Nick Brien, CEO of McCann Worldgroup, said “McCann Midwest, under Garry’s leadership, has been a key partner to General Motors and has significantly expanded its account base.  We have asked Garry to focus on building our GM relationships around the world, particularly in the important emerging markets.  Joe will continue building upon McCann Midwest’s momentum, leading the agency as it seeks to grow in the region.”

Robert LePlae, President of McCann Erickson North America, said “McCann Midwest has withstood the economic pressures in the region and is well positioned for further growth.  Joe has leadership experience running a full service agency, excellent automotive expertise, and is passionate and energetic about the business.  He is the ideal person to take on this important role for us in North America.”

Garcia’s appointment further advances a plan to strategically evolve McCann Erickson in North America.  Over the past year, the agency has made several key North American hires, including Curt Detweiler, Executive Vice President, Executive Creative Director; and Mitch Caplan as Chief Marketing Officer; as well as important regional hires, such as Barbara Yolles as Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer for McCann Midwest.

Reporting to LePlae, Garcia will be responsible for McCann Midwest’s diverse portfolio of client business, which includes ALDI, Colonial Williamsburg, GM Corporate, Michigan Credit Union, Travel Michigan, Sirius XM Satellite Radio and Karmanos Cancer Center, among others, as well seeking opportunities for further expansion.

“It’s an exciting time to join the McCann network. McCann Midwest has an incredible depth and breadth of talent and expertise. I can’t wait to come in and help build on the existing momentum and drive further growth in the region,” said Garcia.

Prior to joining McCann, Garcia served as president and CEO of BBDO Detroit, a position he held since 2004.  In this role he was responsible for the integrated marketing services for the Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Mopar (Parts & Service) brands of Chrysler LLC globally.  Garcia also served as a member of the BBDO Worldwide Board.  Garcia joined BBDO Detroit after four and a half years with D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles, where he served as Executive Vice President, Global Group Account Director.  While there, he led the team that re-launched the Cadillac brand worldwide, overseeing the “Breakthrough” campaign.

Garcia began his advertising career in his native Australia with Saatchi & Saatchi Sydney (DFS), and spent a number of years working within the Saatchi network. In 1989 he helped launch the Lexus brand in Australasia and abroad, before founding Neo One Advertising, one of Australia’s first truly integrated communications companies.

As Global Account Director for General Motors, Neel will have overall management responsibilities for GM, one of McCann Worldgroup’s largest multinational accounts.  GM has experienced explosive growth in emerging markets, and has become an increasingly complex business, spanning many geographies and all Worldgroup discipline companies.  McCann Worldgroup works with an array of GM brands in various markets around the world, including Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, OnStar and Opel.  Neel will remain based in Detroit and will report to Brien.

Neel has been with McCann Worldgroup for 13 years, leading McCann Midwest for the past 10 years, and serving as general manager of the McCann Zurich office and as European head of the GM Opel business.  Prior to joining McCann, he spent four years with Campbell-Ewald in Detroit and Los Angeles working on the Chevrolet business.

About McCann Worldgroup

McCann Worldgroup, one of the world’s largest marketing communications companies, is comprised of McCann Erickson Worldwide (the world’s largest advertising agency network); MRM Worldwide (digital marketing/relationship management); Momentum Worldwide (event marketing/promotion); McCann Healthcare Worldwide (professional/dtc communications); Universal McCann (media management); Weber Shandwick (public relations); EXP (global production) and FutureBrand (consulting/design).