Burrell names Lewis Williams new Chief Creative Officer, replacing Steve Conner

(April 10, 2006) Chicago-based Burrell, one of the nation's leading African-American-owned full-service communications agencies, has named Lewis Williams, Chief Creative Officer.

Williams, who worked at Burrell during the 1980s as associate creative director, returns to the agency after spending 15 years at Leo Burnett in Chicago, most recently as senior vice president/creative director. Respected for his energy and drive, Williams has worked on brands such as Disney World, McDonald's, Budweiser, Miller Lite, P&G and The U.S. Army.

At Burnett, Williams created a number of notable campaigns, many of them outside the traditional advertising arena. Among them are the "Allstate: Harnessing the Energy around March Madness" 3-on-3 alumni classic basketball tournaments in New York, Chicago, Charlotte and San Francisco. His Ad Council Freedom Center work, which encourages Americans to speak out against injustice, is among the work of which he is most proud.

"My creative philosophy is 'Keep it real,'" Williams said. "I've always felt that Burrell has positioned itself to produce creative that rings true, while still being relevant. I'm really excited about being a part of the team that takes Burrell to the next level -- where clients are speaking to consumers in untapped personal, authentic and engaging ways."

Both Burrell and Burnett are members of the Publicis Groupe, a global advertising and communications agency network.

Said Burrell Co-chief Executive Officer McGhee Williams Osse, "This move is indicative of the strength and collaboration within the Publicis network. There is no question that Lewis returns to Burrell with an enriched advertising background and acumen. We are at the cusp of major change in the industry. Lewis is the kind of fresh, creative mind and client service expert who will take our clients comfortably where they are looking to go."

Burrell, named Advertising Age 2006 "Multicultural Agency of the Year," provides holistic communications vehicles to its clients. The agency's engaging work, whether communicated through TV, radio, the Internet, direct mail, events or one-on-one encounters, is the end result of an integrated and collaborative process which uncovers unique ways to get to the heart and minds of consumers.

Said Burrell Co-chief Executive Officer Fay Ferguson: "Burrell is becoming recognized as an integrated communications leader. Lewis has always been a forward-thinking leader who stays two steps ahead of clients, while making their business agenda his. It's exciting to have him come back home at a time when clients are looking to uncover new heights of engagement."

Williams, who calls Tom Burrell -- founder of the Burrell agency -- a "huge inspiration," said the best advertising is personal, comes from deep within and is based on life experiences. He also believes good advertising is based on insights that speak to the nation's changing demographics, a topic emphasized in Williams' "Puttin' Soul in the Game" lecture, which he delivers to industry groups around the country.

Williams joins Burrell April 17. He replaces Steve Conner, who came to the agency nearly two years ago from STEVE, a firm he founded.

"We have a long-standing relationship with Steve. We were his largest client when he had his production company, and of course, the relationship was further cemented when he joined Burrell," Ferguson said. "We appreciate the effort and perspective that Steve brought to the agency and we certainly support him in his ventures and wish him great success. Given our history, it is likely that our paths will cross again," Osse added.

Burrell Communications is a full-service marketing communications company with offices in Chicago and Atlanta. In business 35 years, Burrell is a leader in understanding and motivating consumer behavior in the African- American and young, adult, Yurban (R) markets. With close to $200 million in annual billings, the agency's client roster includes McDonald's, Procter & Gamble, Toyota, General Mills, Verizon, Allstate, Marriott International, Zimmer, Bacardi and Lexus.


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