New-York based global advertising agency
Young & Rubicam Inc. hosted a ribbon-cutting celebration last Thursday for the grand opening of its new downtown Memphis office (Y&R Memphis) on Monroe Avenue. The firm expands into the Memphis market after securing a $457 million, five-year contract with the U.S. Navy.
The Y&R Memphis opening brings 50 new jobs to downtown, with the company hiring 25 people locally and transferring in another 25 employees from its other markets. The firm plans to add more jobs to the Memphis office in the future.
“Our strategy is to really build out a footprint beyond just one piece of business. So we’re taking a long-term view about being in Memphis and looking at what the opportunities are in the Mid-South and how we can build a large, vibrant agency here,” said Y&R Memphis Marketing Director Ken Dowling, who heads up the new office.
For its recruitment contract with the Navy, the firm is developing a strategic advertising and marketing plan to help the Navy revamp its brand identity and help Recruiting Command enlist Navy personnel. Y&R Memphis will handle everything from general advertising to direct marketing, digital and social media, public relations, and call center management in order to raise awareness and help with recruiting.
Attendees at the opening included Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell, City of Memphis COO Doug McGowen, Greater Memphis Chamber SVP of Community Development Kelly Rayne, Navy Recruiting Command Rear Admiral Jeff Hughes, Young & Rubicam Global Chairman/CEO David Sable, and Young & Rubicam COO Sean Howard.
“We’re always excited to see companies like Y&R providing good paying, creative jobs in the core of Memphis,” Rayne told the group. “We’re thankful to see more and more businesses choosing Downtown Memphis and investing in an area that already has a lot of talent.”
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