CHICAGO: CKPR, trying to generate new business after a static year, has made several significant new hires and lost one senior manager.
Steve Carr, former co-managing director, is leaving the agency. Joel Curran will become the agency's sole MD, and will relocate from the Milwaukee office. He also had been office director for Chicago.
Jon Stern, who had handled marketing communications for NYC2012, which is handling New York City's bid for the Olympics, has been hired as the agency's director in Milwaukee.
Lou Anne Banks, former mid-Atlantic regional manager for Arnold Worldwide, has been hired to head the agency's Orlando office. The agency is searching for a director in its Chicago office.
"We needed builders," said Curran. "We're looking for someone interested in growing a really strong office in Chicago." The agency is also considering buying a New York agency to establish a presence there.
CKPR reported 2001 revenues of $9.4 million, down 6% from $10 million in 2000. Curran expects 2002 to end at about last year's level or slightly below it.
