Bozell, a full-service advertising and public relations agency, has named Kim Mickelsen as chief executive officer (CEO) and Robin Donovan as president in recognition of their leadership, years of service, and above all their luck of the draw.
“The decision to change our titles was one we definitely took lightly,” Mickelsen acknowledged. “The titling process involved placing both titles on pieces of paper that we drew from an ice bucket. While unconventional, the approach seemed effective given our mutual antipathy for traditional corporate titles.”
“From day one, we haven’t cared about flashy titles or corner offices, focusing instead on what it takes to be effective leaders and managers,” Donovan agreed. “Too often, titles are given out randomly to stoke someone’s ego, or to attract or retain talented individuals. Our industry is notorious for its hierarchical titles, but that’s never been part of our corporate culture.”
The new titles replace the “managing principal” designation that Donovan and Mickelsen have shared since their purchase of Bozell in 2001. Having the same title had led to some confusion outside of the agency over their areas of responsibility, which led them to their random drawing.
Mickelsen relies on her 30 years of experience in helping companies build their brands and reach customers using Bozell’s portfolio of integrated marketing services. She joined Bozell in 1990, was promoted to vice president in 1992 and to senior vice president in 1995. In 1997, she became senior partner in charge of interactive services where she directed the strategic planning and execution of interactive work for the agency’s clients. A recipient of the Silver Medal Award presented by the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Omaha, she has worked with dozens of brands, large and small, including TD Ameritrade, YWCA, Mid-American Energy and the NCAA.
As president, Donovan brings 25-plus years in advertising to her job as overseer of the media strategy, account supervision, financial planning and human resource side of the business. Donovan began her advertising career with several East Coast agencies where she coordinated media plans involving virtually every type of medium, from trade publications to outdoor billboards to national network and cable television programs. Her extensive client experience includes work with marque brands such as Visa, IBM, Stanley Tools, Duracell and Capital One.
Under the leadership of Donovan and Mickelsen, Bozell earned national certification as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Development center – Chicago, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). WBENC’s certification is actively endorsed by more than 1,000 corporations representing America’s largest and most prestigious brands, in addition to many states, cities and other entities.
In 2012, they oversaw Bozell’s participation in AMC Network’s “The Pitch,” a 60-minute documentary style TV series that follows the creative processes of two agencies vying for a real account. Bozell delivered the winning concept in its episode to land a contract with a major marketer. Bozell was the only Midwest agency among a select group of 15 advertising agencies featured in the new unscripted series.
About Bozell
Bozell is a full-service advertising and public relations agency specializing in advertising, digital marketing, technology and other creative solutions that produce results. We utilize SmartargetingTM and other insights to create winning marketing and sales strategies and build brand stories that are smart and compelling. We stand for doing right by our clients, employees and our community. For more information, visit Bozell.com.
