Carmichael Lynch has announced that president Marcus Fischer will be named the agency’s fourth CEO in its 55-year history. 
 
“Marcus has been pivotal in building the momentum and success of Carmichael Lynch in recent years. He has proven his ability to successfully manage the business, while simultaneously inspiring the people around him,” said current CEO Mike Lescarbeau, who will move to the role of executive chairman. “In the last few years, Marcus has built a leadership team that is committed to collaboration and interdependence across disciplines to build a unique and unrivaled offering of advertising and PR under one roof, and I’m excited for the future of the agency under his leadership.”
 
Fischer rejoined Carmichael Lynch as president in 2013, and the agency has had four years of consecutive, double-digit revenue growth since, with more than 16 percent growth in 2016 alone. This growth is due to the strength and organic growth of many long-term partnerships coupled with new business wins – U.S. Bank, Arla Foods and Truvía, among others. Simultaneously, the agency’s head count has grown by 43 percent while maintaining a culture of inclusivity that has resulted in enviable employee retention numbers, illustrated by the agency’s 2016 turnover rate of less than 10 percent (the 4A’s estimates average agency turnover rate at 30 percent).  
 
“I’m honored to lead Carmichael Lynch and continue the energy we’ve built over the last few years,” said Fischer. “I am thankful for the team that has made this agency what it is today – a people-centric organization focused on business, culture and great creative work. We’ve made collaboration and integration pivotal to our offering. This unique approach is how brands can transcend the rational and become emotionally meaningful and become part of, and shape, culture.” 
 
This evolution has been demonstrated by changes in the agency’s leadership team, including the promotion of Julie Batliner, president of the agency’s PR firm, Carmichael Lynch Relate, and Marty Senn, chief creative officer, to managing partners in 2016.
 
Prior to rejoining Carmichael Lynch, Fischer spent four years at the helm of digital firm Space150, where he helped dramatically grow the agency. He’s also spent time at One and All, Fallon, and a previous stint at Carmichael Lynch.
 
Over his career, Fischer has helped shape the strategy and award-winning work for such brands as Subaru, U.S. Bank, Harley-Davidson, BMW, Target, Porsche, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dairy Queen, Starbucks, Nordstrom and Purina Dog Chow. 
 
Fischer regularly speaks at industry events, including most recently the ANA Brand Master Conference in a session about Carmichael Lynch’s work and sustained success with long-time client, Subaru. He’s also taught at both the MiamiAdSchool and BrainCo.
 
Outside the agency’s walls, Fischer is an avid fly fisherman and has served on the board of the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota for the last five years. He lives in a suburb of Minneapolis, with his wife and three sons.