Lawrence M. Kimmel, who has run both G2 Direct & Digital and its earlier incarnation Grey Direct for the last 10 years, is no longer the unit’s chairman and CEO. He will assume a new title within G2, which has what he calls “global responsibilities.” He didn't offer details about his new position.
G2 Worldwide, the parent company, announced that Wendy Lurrie has joined G2 from DraftFCB, and will serve as president of the agency's relationship marketing unit, G2 Direct & Digital.
This is a return engagement for Lurrie, who previously held executive positions at Grey Direct, the predecessor to G2 Direct & Digital. At Draft she served as general manager of the Draft New York office, as well as DraftFCB. Her most recent role there was as chief marketing and strategy officer. She assumes the role occupied by Kimmel.
Additionally, John Paulson, who had formerly headed G2 Interactive, the company’s digital arm, would be elevated to CEO of G2 US. He will report directly to Joe Celia, G2's Global Chairman & CEO. Paulson previously held management positions at DDB Worldwide, M&C Saatchi, Grey Interactive, J. Walter Thompson, Grey Advertising and MVBMS.
Lurrie will report to Paulson.
“I am wholeheartedly enthusiastic about my new life,” Kimmel said, adding that while his new position would not move him from his base in New York City, it would involve more travel. Kimmel also mentioned was looking forward to spending more time with his family.
Kimmel started out on the general side at Leber-Katz Partners, and for a time ran his own company, Unified Marketing.
In a statement about the Paulson and Lurrie appointments, the company mentioned in passing that Kimmel was moving to G2’s headquarters to work with the management team on global network development.
