Rob Strasberg is leaving his post as global creative chairman of Doner to become a co-CEO of nonprofit Humble Design Fueled by U-Haul.
Strasberg will share Humble Design oversight with his wife, Treger, who in 2009 co-founded the Detroit-based charity that restores dignity to families and veterans emerging from homelessness by providing donated furnishings and design services to transform empty residences into inviting homes.
Strasberg’s marketing prowess and visionary skills from 25 years of reshaping global brands will be utilized in Humble Design’s transition from a local organization to a national operation. With the backing of U-Haul International, Humble Design will announce in January its initial phase of expansion as it opens branches in additional U.S. cities.
“In advertising, you sometimes get the feeling you can change the world; I’m just looking to do that full-time,” Rob Strasberg said. “What Humble Design has done in Detroit is a model we can replicate across America. U-Haul Company’s moving trucks, self-storage facilities, logistical expertise, financial support and dedication to philanthropy makes it our ideal partner. Together, we’re going to put a big dent in the universe on the side of good.”
Strasberg repackaged Doner into a fully integrated, socially modern agency with new accounts including Alfa Romeo, Amazon, Chrysler, Coca-Cola, Dodge, Fiat, JBL, Jeep, JC Penney and Netflix. At Doner, Strasberg held the titles of co-CEO and chief creative officer until August when he was promoted to global creative chairman. He co-owned Doner before selling to MDC Partners in 2011.
He is known for helping pioneer the modern era of digitally integrated advertising at Crispin, Porter & Bogusky. He worked on brands like IKEA, Miller Lite, Mini Cooper, Sprite, Truth and Volkswagen.
“Adding Rob in this capacity makes Humble Design that much more capable of impacting the lives of people striving to escape homelessness and provide their families with the basic needs that a dignified home should have,” U-Haul EVP Stuart Shoen said. “His skill set will undoubtedly prove beneficial as Humble Design expands with U-Haul by its side.”
U-Haul and Humble Design formed a national partnership in August with the common goal of eradicating homelessness.
Results of the proven home transformation process are nothing shy of remarkable. Internal stats from the last three years show 1 percent of families that receive Humble Design’s help return to homelessness within 12 months. Up to 50 percent of families without that assistance revert back to homelessness in the same timeframe.
“From the beginning, Rob has helped shape the Humble Design brand, social presence and non-profit model,” Treger Strasberg said. “Having his vast experience and creative mind full-time will supercharge our national expansion efforts.
“The Strasberg family is now completely invested in helping other families. We will continue to bring our family values to this process, raising our two children and building this operation with open hearts. We are grateful U-Haul shares our desire to change lives. I’m very excited for what the future holds.”
U-Haul pledged in August that it will match every dollar donated to Humble Design up to $50,000. For more on the charity, click here.
Droga5 Appoints Emma Montgomery As Global Chief Strategy Officer
Creative agency network Droga5 has appointed Emma Montgomery as global chief strategy officer. She is the third global appointment for the agency this year, with Pelle Sjoenell named worldwide chief creative officer this past March, and global CEO Mark Green recently appointed this fall. Montgomery will be responsible for connecting and supercharging Droga5’s strategy and creative offerings globally. She will be based in its headquarters in New York City.
“Emma is a world-class strategic leader and authority that I’ve long admired and dreamt of being partners-in-crime with,” said Sjoenell. “Her work inspires the creativity that connects people and brands in ways that move business and culture forward, so I’m excited to finally be able to work with her alongside Mark, and to see her lead and further strengthen our leadership and strategy teams around the world.”
Montgomery joins Droga5 after serving as CEO of DDB Chicago. She’s been in the industry for over 20 years, and has served in several high-level leadership positions throughout her career, including as president and CSO of Leo Burnett Chicago, global CSO of TBWA, and CEO of Leo Burnett Australia. She’s also worked across a breadth of categories and multiple global clients such as Kraft, Aldi, Diageo and Molson Coors, among many others, including challenger brands and startups.
“I’m excited to join Droga5 and have the opportunity to help carve out a new path for the brand globally, building on its tremendous legacy of creative leadership,” said Montgomery. “The potential of Droga5, combined with the possibilities of Accenture Song, was too exciting to pass up. No other agency has what they have, and as marketing shifts, the chance to make creativity a genuine... Read More