Ian Baer, the former head of Rapp Collins Worldwide’s Chicago office, has resurfaced in Los Angeles--as director of DirectDeutch.
Only a few weeks ago, Rapp Collins spokespersons said that Baer was mulling other opportunities at the agency, and at parent firm Omnicom. This followed a decision to downsize the Chicago branch, and turn it into a service office.
Baer reportedly started at DirectDeutch earlier this week. DirectDeutch's parent, Deutch Inc., was acquired by the Interpublic Group of Companies Inc. last November. He had not returned calls at deadline.
Rapp Collins said in May that its main Chicago accounts--those of Untied Parcel Service, Bristol Meyer-Squibb and Western Union--would be handled, at least in part, at its New York and Dallas offices. This has resulted in significant reductions to the 40-person staff.
