I am happy to make a correction on my post about the 250 layoffs at Leo Burnett, Chicago, the other day. They contacted me and said the number was actually 75... OK, I am used to having agencies trying to obfuscate the facts, but Abby Lovett, the head PR honcho for LB Global was completely up front with me and told me the facts. I then coincidentally got an email from someone inside with no axe to grind. It read... It was 80 people on Wed., not 250. Across all departments. Starcom let about 80 go a week or so ago which is probably where that 250 rumor came from. LB waited as long as possible before having to do this. It was respectful (no security escort to the door) and the severance was very good. LB is a great place to work and unlike some BDA's, treats it's current and former employees with respect. OK... That makes it worthwhile to do this correction. I am glad the company is upholding the traditions of its founder. I was lucky enough to meet Leo a couple of times when I was much younger... Like most of those of that era, Ogilvy, Bernbach, Lois (well, George was OK, if you didn't piss him off, then he'd punch the shit out of you!) he was a fucking gentleman. There are NONE left. Anyway, happy to make this correction. I have a feeling there won't be many more.
A nice guy... I hope some fucking blogger says that about me a few years from now... Nahh. They'll say I was a douchenozzle!!!