Deutsch NA CEO Mike Sheldon to leave agency after 22 years

Effective 1 January, 2020, Kim Getty, the current president of Deutsch LA, will become the chief executive officer of that office and Deutsch NY chief executive Val DiFebo retains her role and title. Both executives will report to Philippe Krakowsky, IPG’s chief operating officer.

“I have loved every crazy minute of being at Deutsch. From the day we started in LA with a small handful of people to the significant force we are today on both coasts. The thing I’m most proud of is the people that are in place to take the agency to the next level,” said Sheldon. “This decision was difficult and bittersweet, since Deutsch has been a very happy home for me for the last 22 years, and I will always be there for the agency and its people. But I’m really excited to see what other kinds of opportunities exist for me outside of agency life. I’ll take some time to explore before taking a step into the next chapter for me professionally.”

Added Michael Roth, chairman and chief executive of IPG: “Mike has been a force of nature in our industry and he leaves with our gratitude and best wishes. There are few people with the business building track record that Mike has to his name. It’s also gratifying to see a thoughtful succession plan that moves senior executives with strong track records into the top roles at both Deutsch offices. Val and Kim are both highly client-centric leaders who have driven consistently strong results as the head of their respective offices.”

Said Krakowsky: “Deutsch LA and Deutsch NY have always maintained a great deal of autonomy, and that’s been central to each agency’s success. This move acknowledges that individuality and eliminates potential client conflicts between the two offices, while maintaining the strong Deutsch brand in both cities. Having known and worked with Val and Kim for some time, I look forward to seeing what we can do to grow their respective clients’ businesses.”