Bader Rutter Announces Leadership Changes
Growing roster includes new talent, implementation of multiyear succession plan
Greg Nickerson and Jeff Young. Photo courtesy of Bader Rutter.
MILWAUKEE — Bader Rutter, Wisconsin’s largest independent marketing and advertising agency, has announced Greg Nickerson will now serve as chairman of the board and President Jeff Young will also serve as CEO. The move is part of a multiyear succession plan that accommodates the agency’s significant growth since its purchase by employees in 2008.
“Jeff is incredibly prepared to take on this expanded role in agency leadership and I have confidence in his ability to successfully guide Bader Rutter to the next level,” Nickerson said. “Our plan has always been to provide clear leadership succession; we’ve charted a very aggressive path for growth and are positioning our talent to achieve that goal.”
As chairman, Nickerson will remain actively involved in business development, financial oversight and in industry and civic organizations. The 44-year-old company remains an independent agency, governed and owned by employees.
“I’m proud to serve Bader Rutter as its president and CEO,” Young said. “Greg has demonstrated what great leadership looks like, and I am honored to move into this role and provide continued stewardship for the agency.”
The agency has grown 20 percent in the past two years and has significantly increased its staff to serve an expanding client list. To support the agency’s growth, Nickerson and Young also named a new, seven-member executive leadership team focusing on talent, services, account management, strategy and insights, and creative work. The team includes agency veterans David Jordan, JoDee George, Linda Hogan, Patrick Smith and Tom Posta.
Rounding out the leadership team are two recent hires. Ned Brown, former vice president/group director of creative at Cramer-Krasselt, joins Bader Rutter as its new chief creative officer. Brown’s extensive background includes work on brands such as Corona, Porsche, Buffalo Wild Wings, Publix, Adidas, Audi, Intel, HBO and Dr. Martens.
Eric Kirkhofer, the agency’s new CFO, also joins the executive leadership team. Kirkhofer recently served as COO/CIO at BuySeasons. Prior to BuySeasons, he served as vice president of credit services for Kohl’s department stores.
“Our strong client roster, ambitious leadership team and top national talent perfectly position us for continued success,” Young said.
About Bader Rutter
Bader Rutter is an integrated marketing services agency headquartered in Milwaukee, with additional offices in Chicago and Lincoln, Nebraska. Learn more at www.baderrutter.com. Follow BR on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and the BR blog.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
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