This is the third time we’ve been forced to use the “Fudge Packs” headline and even we are getting sick of it. Just how many times does an ad exec need to leave the same company? In the case of Y&R’s embattled Anne Fudge, the answer is three. First, in April 2005, she announced she would step down as Chairman and CEO of Y&R Brands. Then, in June 2006, Hamish McClennan was brought in to assume the role of CEO for the network portion of Y&R Brands as she lived out the final days of her three year contract. Now, it seems, Fudge is packing for the final time and will retire from the ad business at the end of this year. That’s a lot of press for someone who’s leaving a job.
Her performance was not well regarded once she took over the reigns from former Y&R head Michael Dolan. It was thought, as Advertising Age writes, she focused too much on the inner working of the agency division and not enough on winning new business for the company. As with all agency heads who either succeed or don’t, she’ll retire a millionaire.
