Fallon scales down New York office after Merkin and Bologna leave

by Daniel Farey-Jones, Brand Republic 14-Jul-05, 15:30

LONDON – Fallon has decided to stop operating its New York office as a full-service agency, after New York president Anne Bologna and executive creative director Ari Merkin chose to leave to found their own agency.

After the pair told founder Pat Fallon of their decision earlier this year, the company re-evaluated the New York office and decided not to replace them and scale down the operation.

It plans to follow a long-term strategy based on providing full service solely from its remaining US office in Minneapolis.

"While we have loved doing business in New York, and have a great group of talent, the truth is that New York is not a necessary part of Fallon's US offering. We believe our clients will be best served by a single office," Fallon said.

The move leaves the agency's relationship with New York clients including Virgin Mobile, Time and Starbucks bottled drinks, in doubt.

All of the 35 employees were taken to dinner by Fallon last night and offered a job at the Minneapolis agency. British staff who could be looking at a move back to England include around five members of the planning department.

Bologna and Merkin are planning to launch their own agency in New York, but are waiting until Fallon New York's position is settled before announcing details.

If you have an opinion on this or any other issue raised on Brand Republic, join the debate in the Forum.