Exec plans to launch a marketing consultancy
By Candice Choi, Food Industry Writer
NEW YORK (AP) --Subway's chief marketing officer Tony Pace is leaving the company to start a marketing consultancy.
The news comes nearly two weeks after the home of the chain's long-time pitchman Jared Fogle was raided by federal and state authorities. Pace said in a phone interview Monday his departure is unrelated to that matter and that he had been talking with the company about the move for "awhile." Subway did not immediately provide any other details beyond confirming the move.
Pace said his departure from Subway is slated to be effective Sept. 30 and that the company is conducting a search for a replacement. He said he will continue as chairman of the Association of National Advertisers. He joined Subway in 2006 and was named its chief marketing officer in 2012.
On July 7, Fogle's home was raided by federal and state authorities. Later that same day, Subway said it mutually agreed with Fogle to suspend their relationship.
Pace said he was "integrally involved" in the handling of the Fogle situation.
The FBI hasn't provided details on why Fogle's home was raided. But Subway has said it believed it was tied to a previous investigation of a former employee of Fogle's foundation. In May, the foundation's former executive director Russell Taylor had been arrested on child pornography charges.
Pace's departure from Subway comes as the chain's sales have struggled. Last year, the average sales volume for Subway restaurants in the U.S. fell 3 percent from the previous year, according to market researcher Technomic.
The Many Hires Jeremiah Wassom As Group Creative Director
Independent agency The Many has added Jeremiah Wassom as group creative director.
Wassom most recently worked a decade at Deutsch LA where, as SVP/creative director, he led the Taco Bell account and won new business for the agency. His agency past also includes AKQA and TBWAChiatDay. His creative work has touched the QSR, video games, automotive, fashion, and culture brand sectors. He also served eight years with the United States Marine Corps.
“Throughout his career, Jeremiah has helmed work that has not only made me personally jealous but has consistently pushed brands to show up in memorable and innovative ways,” said Josh Paialii, head of creative at The Many. “One look at his body of work and you will see his passion for storytelling and craft has raised the bar for entire categories, driving participation with many brands’ most loyal fans. Beyond being a world-class creative director and maker, Wassom is a proven team player and strategic thought leader. He’ll be a great addition to the leadership team at The Many working across all accounts. His role will be immediately felt as he guides and supports each of the creative leads in the department.”
A 20-year creative with agency, brand, and freelance experience, Wassom has forged a creative approach which focuses on crafting engaging connections rather than simply make ads. He sees the need for advertising to mean more, not simply do more.
The Many believes that true business growth is made possible by harnessing the power of participation and partners with brands to forge deeper connections with consumers, cultivate trust and loyalty, and maximize marketing spend and execution. The agency is built around a flexible model that offers a suite of capabilities, including... Read More