AdWeek reported tonight that Frank Lowe has failed to bring Ed Morris on board at Lowe's new London agency as a partner and creative chief. Morris decided to remain executive creative director of the London office of Interpublic Group's Lowe. Apparently, Morris, 38, was retained through a generous counteroffer that included a substantial raise, shares of IPG stock and perhaps most importantly, his name on the door. OK, let me translate for my American readers. Having worked in London for about a third of my career, here’s how it goes when you get to the enviable bargaining position Ed Morris was in… Substantial raise… Double what you have now, with the extra paid in “Readies” (banknotes) delivered to your numbered account in Zurich. Shares of IPG stock (right now, virtually worthless) but you get to go to “special” shareholder meeting four times a year in Tahiti. Your Porsche Turbo will be exchanged for a matching pair of Ferraris (The Brits are exotic sports car fanatics!) Your name on the door… And the door will be attached to the entrance of your St Jean Cap Ferat villa ready for when you get off your private Gulfstream. Oh yes, almost forgot… Heidi Klum has agreed to be your traveling secretary. So now you know why Ed Morris decided to stay “Loyal” to the old Lowe, rather than the new one!
Which Ferrari today Mr. Morris. The red one, or the red one?
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