The Ad Club has announced the appointment of George Sargent, CEO of Boston-based ad agency Arnold (part of Havas Creative Group), as its new Chairman of the Board. Sargent succeeds Andrew Graff, CEO of Allen & Gerritsen, and Barbara Goose, CMO of Rocket Software.
In his new role, Sargent will collaborate closely with Ad Club President and CEO, Barb Reilly, to further the organization’s community initiatives and expand its impact on the region’s brands, businesses, and marketing professionals. Reilly praised Sargent’s deep industry expertise, saying, “At a time of high complexity in the marketing ecosystem, I couldn’t think of a person with better experience and understanding of how all the pieces need to work together than George.”
Reilly, who has significantly expanded membership and revitalized the organization’s strategy since taking the helm 16 months ago, has focused on leveraging the power of community. With Sargent’s support, the Ad Club aims to increase membership by an additional 50% over the next year.
Sargent expressed his enthusiasm about the new role, commending Reilly’s leadership and efforts to elevate the Ad Club’s presence. “I am thrilled to partner with her and the Ad Club team to help accelerate their efforts and work in partnership with an incredible and diverse board of marketing industry leaders from across our region,” Sargent said, also acknowledging the contributions of Graff and Goose over the past decade.
Sargent brings over a decade of experience within Havas’ Creative and Media Networks, having driven growth and transformation for top brands including Progressive Insurance, PNC Bank, Sam’s Club, ADP, Fidelity, and more. After joining Havas in 2013, he advanced to President of Havas Media Boston in 2016, and in 2019, he was named CEO of Arnold, where he has propelled the agency’s growth across key sectors like retail, finance, and telecommunications.
Arnold has maintained a strong relationship with the Ad Club, with the Rosoff Equity Project drawing inspiration from Arnold’s founder, Arnold Rosoff, and his vision for a more inclusive advertising industry in Boston.
The Ad Club’s membership features some of New England’s top agencies, media firms, and brands, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA, Citizens, CVS Health, Dunkin, Fidelity, and advertising giants like Havas Media, Hill Holliday, MullenLowe, and Digitas. Sargent emphasized the importance of community, noting, “The Ad Club exists to support, connect, celebrate, and accelerate the marketing industry and our Members… We are focused on tackling issues that are directly impacting the Boston community’s people, teams, organizations, brands.”
With Sargent’s leadership and Reilly’s ongoing efforts, the Ad Club aims to further solidify its role in uniting and advancing New England’s marketing industry.
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