4As rescinds Joe Alexander’s organizational honor
The 4As has rescinded its “100 People Who Make Advertising Great” honor given to embattled, former Martin Agency creative chief Joe Alexander.
Joe Alexander & The Martin agency
The list, revealed earlier this summer, celebrated the organization’s 100th anniversary. Adweek first reported the move with a 4As representative saying that: “I can confirm that the 4A’s will be rescinding the 100 People Who Make Advertising Great honor. We support agencies that take action to create safe and respectful environments for all employees.”
There is still some confusion as to the series of events that have occurred within the Richmond-based IPG agency, with an internal memo noting that Alexander’s dismissal was led by the company and not from his own volition.
In October, IPG chief executive Michael Roth outlined a “zero-tolerance policy” for sexual harassment following the allegations made, noting that: “Sexual harassment isn't limited to its most obvious forms – such as making inappropriate advances. It also includes any unwelcome verbal or physical behavior that creates a hostile work environment.”
Any US IPG employee can anonymously contact the IPG AlertLine at 1-800-828-0896 or at http://inside.interpublic.com outside of the US.