Retail ad agency shakes up leadership

FT. LAUDERDALE — National retail brand builder Zimmerman Advertising has shaken up its leadership team. It appointed former Papa John's International CMO Andrew Varga to agency president and promoted its current president Pat Patregnani to CEO.

Having had Papa John's as a client since 1998, Zimmerman Advertising has worked closely with company executives, including Varga. Varga played a significant role in the development of Papa John's digital, branding and creative equity and Zimmerman plans to leverage his experience to strengthen its influence in the market.

"Our work with Papa John's has grown into a true partnership over the years," said Jordan Zimmerman, founder and chairman of Zimmerman Advertising. "The friendship we have forged and the professional counsel we have shared has made both organizations stronger and we have no doubt our collective momentum will continue."

"I am grateful for the great experience and learning I had as part of the Papa John's team and I am excited to continue to work with the brand as well as the rest of the exciting clients represented at Zimmerman Advertising in my new role as agency president," said Varga.

Varga will work closely with CEO Pat Patregnani. With more than three decades of experience in the retail advertising industry, Patregnani is considered to be an essential component of the leadership team since 1997, according to the agency.

The moves are all a part of what the agency calls "Zimmerman 3.0." The agency reached more than $3 billion in annual billings in 2012. Now, with the implementation of "Zimmerman 3.0," the agency hopes to see further growth in segments such as retail, restaurant and automotive as well as tap into new markets.

The strategic appointments are also part of an internal cultural overhaul which includes a refocusing of company values and vision.

"With Patregnani in place as CEO and Varga as president, we have put together a leadership team that will stimulate our Zimmerman Advertising 'cultural evolution' and maximize the impact of the incredible talent we have here," added Zimmerman.

"I plan to continue to nurture the personal, professional and spiritual growth of the individuals who make up the Zimmerman team. It is the collective talent and dedication of our team members that has made this agency a success and it is what will lead us to further growth and accomplishment," said Patregnani. "Having worked closely with Andrew Varga throughout the last two years I have seen firsthand his vast brand building skills and I am thrilled to have him as a vital part of our leadership team moving forward."

Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Zimmerman Advertising is an Omnicom Group company and one of the largest full-service advertising agencies in the United States, with more than 1,100 full-time employees and offices throughout the country, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas and Atlanta. Omnicom Group is a global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to more than 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.