Richard Lennox Resigns From JWT De Beers Account

Richard Lennox, who for 10 years served as the U.S. Director-in-Charge of the De Beers account at JWT, has resigned from his position, the company said in an emailed announcement. The ad agency did not provide a reason, nor was a successor named.

Lennox led the JWT marketing team responsible for De Beers’ U.S. advertising campaign. Under his leadership, JWT created and implemented all major integrated marketing initiatives including the Millennium campaign, Three Stone Jewelry, Right Hand Ring and Journey Diamond Jewelry. Their efforts are credited with significant year-on-year growth for the category.

“Richard has made an unbelievable contribution to the whole industry,” said De Beers executive Stephen Lussier. “Through JWT, he has created powerful ideas that have excited consumers and driven growth in the trade.”

In mid 2008 De Beers drastically cut its U.S. advertising budget, later reinstating some of it in an effort to revive year end Holiday sales.

JWT did not announce a replacement for Lennox, saying that the existing management of the account will supervise it. Following the budgetary cuts, JWT may eliminate the position all together.

The agency added that the team is focusing on the 2009 Holiday marketing campaign, initiated and developed with Lennox over the past several months.