Philip Shirley named CEO of GodwinGroup

Mississippi Business Journal, The, Jan 08, 2007

JACKSON - Danny F. Mitchell, chairman of GodwinGroup, announced January 2 that Philip Shirley has been named chief executive officer. Shirley, also a senior partner of the agency, will oversee strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations.

Shirley has served as president and chief operating officer of GodwinGroup, one of the South's largest and oldest advertising agencies, for 12 years. He will remain as president, in addition to his new responsibilities. He joined GodwinGroup in 1989.

Mitchell, CEO since 1992, will continue to serve as chairman/ senior partner and focus on Godwin's regional expansion.

"Philip Shirley is highly respected by both peers and clients, and his leadership will enable GodwinGroup to maintain its position as a premier agency," said Mitchell. "He is known for his critical thinking and strategic planning. Moving Philip into the CEO position has been planned for years as we worked side-by-side, so I have the utmost confidence in his ability to lead a group of talented professionals."

Shirley has led a variety of brand development and marketing initiatives for consumer products, banking, healthcare, tourism, insurance and Fortune 500 companies.

Shirley is an Accredited Public Relations professional by the Public Relations Society of America, and a past president of the America's Region of MAGNET Marketing and Advertising Global Network, representing 30-plus leading agencies in North America, South America and Europe with $1.6 billion in annual billings.

He speaks frequently at professional conferences nationally and internationally on topics including management, marketing and ethics. His civic work has included service on the boards of the Central Mississippi chapter of the American Red Cross, the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Epilepsy Foundation of Mississippi.

Shirley earned his bachelor of arts and master of arts degrees in American studies from the University of Alabama, specializing in 20th Century American Culture.

"This change helps GodwinGroup to continue its position as a marketing firm that companies throughout the South and Southeast can rely on in a difficult and constantly changing environment," said Mitchell.

Mitchell in his role of chairman and senior partner will direct business development efforts and serve as counsel to several of GodwinGroup's major clients.

"Danny Mitchell's leadership allowed us to evolve from a small Jackson company into a national firm working with some of the country's top brands," said Shirley. "His vision transformed GodwinGroup from an advertising agency into an integrated communications company providing clients marketing solutions from every major industry discipline.

"Danny will now be afforded the freedom to do what he loves best .... spearheading our own business development initiatives and counseling companies looking for aggressive growth."

Mitchell joined GodwinGroup in 1983 as senior vice president after previously serving as director of communications of the Jackson Public School system. He was named agency's President in 1988 and Chairman/CEO in 1994.

Mitchell has been active in numerous community and civic activities, serving on the board of governors of the Mississippi Economic Council and the board of directors of Goodwill Industries, American Red Cross, Jackson Advertising Federation, Mississippi Food Network and the MetroJackson Chamber of Commerce.

He earned bachelor of arts and master of science degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi. Mitchell's commitment to the school has continued, serving as president of the USM Alumni Association and USM Foundation Board, and last fall was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame.