Deutsch chairman Linda Sawyer is leaving the agency after 27 years
Linda Sawyer, chairman of Deutsch and former CEO, is leaving the agency after a 27-year run.
Linda Sawyer
Mike Sheldon, who took over as North America CEO last year when Sawyer became chairman, will now take on the role.
Sawyer joined the Interpublic Group agency, which has offices in LA and NYC, in 1989 and became North America CEO in 2005. Throughout her career, she has received a number of accolades and awards, including a Matrix Award and a spot on Ad Age’s ‘100 Most Influential Women in Advertising’ list.
“Anyone who knows Linda is aware that she combines a great understanding of our industry with a dynamic management style. That’s why she’s been able to build a fantastic team at Deutsch during her long tenure at the agency,” said Michael Roth, chairman and CEO of Interpublic Group, in a statement. “She’s a fierce protector of her people and her agency, as well as a partner who clients know will always make their success her top priority. Along with everyone at Deutsch, I thank Linda for her dedication and commitment.”
Post-Deutsch, Sawyer will be launching “an exciting and highly disruptive ecommerce venture,” which is set to be announced in the spring.