Deutsch Inc. Chairman Donny Deutsch Formalizes Succession Plan—Names Linda Sawyer CEO; Sawyer Makes First Formal Announcement and Names Co-Presidents in NY and LA Offices

Business Wire, Sept 23, 2005

NEW YORK -- Deutsch Inc. Chairman Donny Deutsch, 47, announced today, "As we map out a blueprint for the continued growth of Deutsch Inc., I'm pleased to name Linda Sawyer Chief Executive Officer. A dynamic, thoughtful leader, Linda's been on the forefront of driving the organization's growth and shaping the Deutsch brand as well." Sawyer previously held the title of Managing Partner, Chief Operating Officer. Effective immediately, Mr. Deutsch will relinquish his CEO title and continue as Chairman of Deutsch Inc.

Regarding the appointment, Mr. Deutsch said, "Linda has been a trusted partner of mine for more than 16 years and has been critical in shaping our culture. She lives and breathes our brand. Committed, strategic, she has a proven track record and is absolutely passionate about her role. A terrific person, Linda consistently makes those around her better."

In her new role, she will lead Deutsch key management on larger, strategic initiatives, providing counsel and guidance while managing the organization's resources in order to develop, nurture and poise the Agency for continued growth, both domestically and internationally.

"We are a unique Agency. What is so powerful about Deutsch is the management team we have in place, a braintrust parallel to none," Sawyer noted. "I'm excited, and honored, to help Deutsch maintain its leadership position in the industry. We are seeing wholesale changes in our industry, and we'll continue to innovate and pioneer that change."

Co-Presidents Named

Making her first formal announcement as CEO, Sawyer named Co-Presidents in Deutsch's New York and Los Angeles offices. "This move is designed to recognize the partnership between Deutsch's executive management and creative leadership that have led to our proven track record of delivering effective and outstanding business solutions for clients," noted Sawyer.

The Co-Presidents for Deutsch New York are Kathy Delaney and Val DiFebo, and Eric Hirshberg and Mike Sheldon in the Deutsch LA office.

Commenting on the appointments, Sawyer said, "Individually and collectively, this management team has an insatiable ambition that has been at the core of our success and has provided the business leadership to our New York and Los Angeles clients. Their continuity of leadership--reflecting their loyalty and passion--is unheard of in our industry, and has been key to keeping our unique culture thriving."

Sawyer will be naming a new Chief Operating Officer, key strategic hires and initiatives in the near term.

New CEO

Having joined Deutsch in 1989, Sawyer, 44, has been a key architect in organically growing the Agency's integrated capabilities to include customer & data strategy, interactive, direct and public relations/promotions. In the past year, under her guidance, Deutsch Inc. has embarked on several business initiatives, including the launch of Media Bridge Entertainment (MBE), Yellowfin Premedia and Consumer Prime. During her tenure, she has been instrumental in a more than 30-fold increase in the agency's revenue growth.

Sawyer joined Deutsch as Vice President, Account Director in 1989, and in 1992 was tapped as EVP, Director of Account Management, which served as the foundation for her move to Managing Partner, General Manager in 1996 and her appointment as COO in 2001. As COO she was responsible for the financial and organizational well-being of the Agency. Actively involved in the future of the industry, Sawyer also plays an important role on a number of boards, including: Vice Chairman of the Advertising Educational Foundation (AEF); board member of Junior Achievement New York (JANY); and Director-At-Large for the American Association of Advertising Agencies (AAAA). She is also on the Board of Directors for Advertising Week 2005. Prior to Deutsch, Sawyer gained experience at Lintas, Ted Bates, and Avrett, Free & Ginsberg.

Deutsch New York Management

"With more than a decade of tenure and commitment, our explosive growth in New York has been equally led by Kathy and Val, and these titles more accurately reflect their position and stature, both internally and externally," noted Sawyer.

Kathy Delaney, Co-President. Formerly Managing Partner, Executive Creative Director, Delaney, 41, joined Deutsch in 1993. In her 12-year tenure, Delaney has produced countless powerful campaigns for her clients, as well as being inducted into the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Hall of Achievement in 2003.

Val DiFebo, Co-President. A 13-year veteran of Deutsch, DiFebo, 43, most recently held the title of Managing Partner, General Manager. Her track record with blue-chip clients includes not only tremendous growth for the brands themselves, but also organic growth for the Agency, most recently with the growth of Novartis into a worldwide assignment.

Deutsch Los Angeles Management

"A strong, committed team, Mike and Eric have been able to grow what many thought could only be a regional office into a top-three West Coast agency. This move recognizes their contributions and impact on both the marketplace and Deutsch," commented Sawyer.