Winner
Marcia Silverman, Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide
Marcia Silverman is a leader, an advocate, and a pioneer. Since she was named CEO of Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide in 2002, Silverman has pushed for growth at every level.
Fittingly, during her 27 years at the agency, Ogilvy PR has more than tripled revenues and US staff.
“When I joined Ogilvy, I did not think about whether this career path would be short on opportunities for women,” she noted in her entry. “I simply rolled up my sleeves and became immersed in a profession that still excites and challenges me.”
In the past year, the firm has expanded the agency client base to include Nestlé, Unilever, the Children's Defense Fund, Nike, Virgin America, and Wyeth, all while retaining 90% of its current largest clients.
What made this past year so significant for Silverman, however, is that her eye for a changing marketplace led to a doubled presence in Asia, as well as new offices in Buenos Aires, Kolkata, Karachi, Milan, and Tunis. Ogilvy PR now has 800 employees in the Asia region.
As one judge noted, “This year caps a long-term stellar career.”
As the Ogilvy map continues to unfold, Silverman has also focused her leadership on the US. The agency reports a staff retention rate of 84% and, at the suggestion of employees, globalized the firm's digital practice, 360 Digital Influence.
This year, the Washington Business Journal named her a “Woman Who Means Business.” In the past, she has been president of the Council of Public Relations Firms, a member of the Arthur Page Society, and a speaker for organizations like the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, and Howard University.
Last year, Pink magazine named Ogilvy as one of its Top Companies for Women.
Silverman is one of the industry's first female CEOs and presidents. In addition, 50% of the firm's current MDs are women, who are leading the consumer marketing, corporate, healthcare, and re-search practices.
“Marcia broke new ground in the industry,” another judge said, “and demonstrated leadership that led to impressive results.”
According to Silverman, the integration of account teams with Ogilvy's digital practice met a need that “is breaking new ground in the fundamental practice of PR.” In the past year, she has traveled to 40 global offices.
It has been an “outstanding career,” said a third judge, but Ogilvy's recent successes have made this past year a particularly “productive” one for Silverman.
Honorable Mention
Matthew Harrington, Edelman
An Edelman veteran, Matthew Harrington took the helm of the agency's US operations in July 2008 when he was named president and CEO. He leads 1,700 employees in the US at 13 offices. Under Harrington's leadership, the firm reported a business win rate of 66%, as opposed to 55% the year before. It also showed a revenue increase of 18%. In addition, he introduced a number of programs for employees, including a best practice education program, an ethics code, and a “Day-to-Day Situation Guide.” “His emphasis on creating work/life balance has set a new standard and a great example,” noted one judge. Outside of the office, Harrington is a board member with the Classic Stage Company; the co-chair of the Public Relations Society of America's Business School/MBA Program Initiative; and a former president of the Denison Alumni Society. Harrington “is one of the true leaders in our profession,” said another judge. “He's helped Edelman advance its position as a top firm.”
Finalist
• Christine Barney: rbb Public Relations
• Matthew Harrington: Edelman
• Keith Lindenburg: Deloitte LLP
• Marcia Silverman: Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide
• Doug Spong: Carmichael Lynch Spong
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