NEW YORK: Ogilvy PR has hired Alan Kercinik as EVP in the agency's Strategy & Planning group.
Kercinik, based in Ogilvy's Chicago office, joined the firm Monday. He is working with a team of 11 executives in the group, reporting to Jennifer Scott, global MD of the unit. Kercinik will work closely with Nathan Friedman, MD of Ogilvy Chicago, and Liz Van Lenten, consumer EVP and group leader in Chicago.
Kercinik was previously EVP and director of engagement in North America for Weber Shandwick for 10 years, serving as the client relationship leader for the Mars Chocolate North America account for three years.
Kercinik said he will build the practice across North America and “help foster a little more cross-practice collaboration” in the role. He will focus on developing strategies and creative campaigns for clients, and also work with Ogilvy's 360 Digital Influence practice on social media efforts.
“I looked at this opportunity as not taking a job just with Ogilvy PR. I think if you look at the way our industry's moving, clients want their advertising campaigns to generate media coverage and social conversation,” he said. “I'm very much looking at it as a chance to be part of a community that is very much poised to be taking marketing to that next level.”
At the end of last month, Ogilvy New York hired David Brooks, former director of digital strategy at Burson-Marsteller's Proof Integrated Communications, as SVP in its 360 Digital Influence practice.
