Campbell Ewald president Kevin Wertz takes on role of CEO following termination of Jim Palmer
Interpublic Group’s Campbell Ewald has promoted Kevin Wertz to CEO of the Detroit-based agency.
He replaces Jim Palmer, who was fired by IPG in January after he failed to fire a San Antonio-based creative director who sent a racist email to agency staffers about a “Ghetto Day” at the office.
Wertz joined Campbell Ewald in 2007 as managing director and took on the role of president in 2014, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Campbell Ewald has also named Jo Shoesmith as chief creative officer. She replaces Mark Simon, who is retiring after a 16-year stint at the agency. Shoesmith joined Campbell Ewald last year from Leo Burnett Chicago.
According to Campbell Ewald, she is the first female chief creative officer the agency has had in its 105-year history. She will be based at the shop’s LA office, marking the first time a chief creative officer will be based outside of the agency’s Detroit headquarters.
Michael Roth, chairman and CEO of IPG, said of the two appointments: “We’re thrilled Jo is taking the lead creative role at Campbell Ewald. We know that she will continue developing the award-winning and innovative work she’s known for – ideas that move the needle on her clients’ business goals. It’s also fitting Kevin is adding the CEO title. He’s a leader who understands and lives up to our values and culture of accountability. He inspires clients and his people. And he attracts and develops contemporary, collaborative talent.”
Aside from Detroit, LA and San Antonio, Campbell Ewald also has an office in New York. It works with clients including the Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP) and Travelocity.