Ross Roy Communications has closed its Toronto office, choosing instead to be affiliated with Ian Roberts Advertising.
Ownership of the joint venture – called Ian Roberts, Ross Roy Advertising – remains with the Ian Roberts partners.
Through the agreement, Ian Roberts will service Ross Roy’s Canadian clients and become part of its global network of agencies.
Ian Roberts, whose work has primarily been traditional media advertising, will also be able to mine Ross Roy’s strong below-the-line resources such as direct response, sales training and database management and interactive communications.
Diana Pitsolis, former general manager of the Ross Roy Toronto office, joins irrr as partner and executive vice-president.
The other partners in the Canadian-owned agency are Barry Campbell, president and creative director; Michael Vasquez, senior vice-president; Connie MacEachern, vice-president, and Kathy Saunders, vice-president, media director.
Some members of the Ross Roy staff will join Ian Roberts, although none of the creative department, including creative director Greg Trinier, will make the move.
K-Mart Canada is Ross Roy’s major client.
It also has Toronto-based Handleman Company of Canada, which manages the music and video departments of retailers such as K-Mart, Woolco, Sears, and stores at Canadian naval stations.
Ontario Lottery, Molson Breweries, Canon Canada and Fuji Photo are some of the clients on the Ian Roberts list.
