Rapp Collins Unveils New Leadership Gary Von Kennel Promoted to Global CEO
Wednesday, 17 May 2006
Rapp Collins Worldwide unveiled a new leadership structure designed to capitalize on the growing importance of direct marketing for brands. According to the direct marketing agency, its new leadership structure will enable it to accelerate its growth and provide ROI-based marketing solutions to a broader base of clients.
Gary Von Kennel has been promoted to global chief executive officer, a new position. In his new role, Von Kennel will oversee Rapp Collins' worldwide network, which operates 60 offices in 30 countries.
"With Gary in a global leadership position, Rapp Collins Worldwide is armed to provide global clients with the agency partnership they need to drive their businesses forward in all major markets," said Thomas L. Harrison, Chairman and CEO of the Diversified Agency Services Division of Omnicom. "Since his appointment as CEO of Rapp Collins, Gary has brought a new level of client-focused, action-oriented leadership to Rapp Collins North America, and made the bold moves needed to position the agency for its unprecedented success."
Succeeding Von Kennel as Chairman and CEO of Rapp Collins Worldwide North America is Robert G. Horvath, who most recently served as president of North America.
During his tenure as president of North America, Horvath oversaw the implementation of new services as well as increased revenue. "Bob has been the driving force in the agency's success over the past two years," said Von Kennel. "He will continue to provide strong leadership in his new role."
"Rapp Collins is uniquely qualified to lead companies into an era of more accountable marketing," said Horvath. "Today's competitive marketplace requires that companies maximize the return on their marketing investments. Our proven expertise in customer acquisition, retention and optimization helps clients build more profitable customer relationships."
In addition, Michael Sugzda will assume the president of North America title. Sugzda comes to Rapp Collins from Wunderman, New York.
Sugzda will be charged with driving revenue growth through business development and solution/innovation development. He joins Rapp Collins with over 25 years of direct marketing experience across a wide range of categories, including success with blue-chip marketers such as Merrill Lynch, AT&T, Universal Card, and Lipitor. He served in senior executive leadership roles at agencies such as Wunderman, Bates Direct, Chapman Direct Marketing, as well as McCaffrey and McCall Direct.
"Michael will complement our existing management team," stated Horvath, "and help us expand our reach into other industries where data-driven, integrated marketing solutions are critical to companies' success."