Merkley+Partners (M+P) has created the new position of president and promoted 16-year veteran Scott Gelber to assume the role.
Gelber advanced along a varied path at the agency, first bringing a media and digital background with a focus on the tech side of digital content, and then encompassing all digital marketing and media activation for most of his decade and a half at M+P. He pioneered new targeting technologies and implemented advanced ROI measurement practices at the agency, and led award-winning social campaigns for clients.
After a number of years serving as digital lead on client business in automotive, financial, pharmaceutical, luxury, CPG, dining and entertainment categories, he was appointed chief digital officer in 2016.
The agency created the president position to support expanding of its capabilities while also maintaining integration across the agency’s unique full-service structure. In the newly-created role, Gelber will focus on advancing integration of the agency’s strategy, creative, digital and media offerings.
“Brands increasingly see the appeal of bundled strategy, creative, media and digital under one roof,” said Alex Gellert, CEO, M+P. “Scott has the perfect experience and mindset to lead us forward because he understands all of these disciplines and has long ensured they work together efficiently and effectively for our clients.”
Gelber said, “Truth is, I’m a product of the unique environment at Merkley. I’m proud of my work here and honored to be recognized for it with this new position. I’ve been fortunate to work with clients and on teams that demanded effective integrated solutions, and that’s something that only happens at a place like this.”
This integration is at the core of the agency’s “Without Boundaries” approach to client service, a structure and emphasis that has gained attention lately with channel-agnostic brands who increasingly see the value of integrated capabilities within a single agency. M+P has operated in this model since its founding in 1993.
Gelber’s plans in the new role include continuing to strengthen the agency’s holistic approach and maintaining a close-knit company culture where both staff and clients have tenures that are uncommonly long for the industry. “My goals are to stay true to what makes us successful while embracing innovation and tackling industry challenges ahead,” said Gelber. “We’re in a unique position and I intend to make the most of it. I’m thrilled to be given the chance to help shape the future of a special place.”
Merkley+Partners is a full-service marketing and advertising agency providing strategic direction to clients and creating print, broadcast, digital, social, viral, brand identity and CRM programs. The agency was founded in 1993 and is part of the DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc.
