MARC USA Makes Bold Move in Chicago

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Signaling its commitment to build its leadership and business, independent full service marketing and advertising firm MARC USA has hired veteran agency leader Mark Modesto and highly awarded creative director John Immesoete to lead its Chicago office. Jean McLaren, president of MARC USA's Chicago office for the past eight years, has been elevated to a new corporate role as chief marketing officer for the agency.

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"Proof that independent companies are the engines of the economy, this move underscores MARC USA's ongoing expansion and our goal to accelerate further with the addition of proven industry leaders and innovators -- Mark Modesto, who successfully integrated the two Chicago offices of Draft and FCB into one of the largest integrated advertising agencies, and one of the industry's most celebrated creative directors, John Immesoete," explained Michele Fabrizi, president and CEO of MARC USA.

Mark Modesto joins MARC USA as president of the Chicago office. He was most recently president of DraftFCB North America and had worked at its predecessor agency Foote Cone & Belding where he started in account management in 1980. While at DraftFCB, Modesto built its far-reaching digital capabilities, oversaw the creation of integrated multidisciplinary client teams, built international capabilities and served as the worldwide executive management director on important agency accounts including SC Johnson, one of his first agency clients.

Bill Perez, who worked with Modesto for 15-plus years as CEO of SC Johnson, said, "Mark understands the importance of building a true partnership with his clients. He gets the fast-changing dynamics of the advertising industry and how to help marketers invest in solutions that meet both immediate and long term goals. I expect to hear great things from MARC Chicago under his leadership."

Also joining Modesto in the Chicago office is John Immesoete as SVP, executive creative director. One of the most highly awarded creative directors and copywriters of all time, Immesoete has more than 25 years of experience creating award-winning work that has defined and built major brands. Before embarking on a successful directing career, Immesoete was group creative director at DDB Chicago where he ran the Anheuser-Busch and McDonald's accounts. While there, Immesoete and his teams created some of the most memorable ad campaigns of all time for Budweiser and Bud Light, including many well-known Super Bowl ads and Bud Light's "Real Men of Genius" -- one of the most awarded ad campaigns of all time, including the first ever Cannes Radio Grand Prix. 

"Independent agencies are driving innovation in our industry because they have the flexibility and resources to invest in their agency and clients. MARC USA in particular has excelled at a time of unprecedented change," said Modesto. "To be part of MARC USA's strategy for the future and to partner with one of Chicago's all-time best creative directors is a fantastic opportunity."

John Immesoete echoed, "I think the most exciting work is taking place today at independent agencies like MARC USA where full integration is not hampered by silos or egos and the most amazing work is being done. I'm looking forward to being part of the new age of creative story-telling and working with the team at MARC USA."

MARC USA has quietly built one of the most successful mid-sized, full-service marketing agencies in the industry with headquarters in Pittsburgh and offices in Chicago and Miami. The independent agency was founded in 1955, and its clients include such well-known companies as Macy's, True Value, Rite Aid, Cooper Tire, Pennsylvania Lottery and the top malls in the General Growth Properties portfolio.

"MARC USA is in the unique position of being able to invest in great talent, and Mark and John are at the top of the list as the best in our industry," explained Tony Bucci, chairman of MARC USA. "I know our Chicago office and our agency overall will benefit from their expertise. They are great additions to our leadership team."

Fabrizi added, "As Jean McLaren takes on the new role of agency-wide CMO, you can be sure you'll be hearing a lot more about us. She helped grow the Chicago office business with such clients as Macy's, General Growth Properties and, most recently, Carle Foundation Hospital and the Health Alliance Plan. She will now extend her focus across the agency."

McLaren will continue to be based in Chicago as she oversees the agency's business development and marketing initiatives.

About MARC USA

MARC USA is a national full-service integrated marketing communications firm known for creating game-changing business solutions through big ideas, insight and the creative application of new technology. With offices in Chicago, Miami and Pittsburgh, more than 200 employees and more than $300 million in annual billings, it is one of the largest independent agencies in the country. Services include advertising, strategic planning, research, public relations, media planning and buying, interactive marketing, social media, direct and customer relationship marketing, and sales promotion. 

SOURCE MARC USA