JEFF SHIFRIN, who helped build Octagon into a global sports marketing force over the last 18 years, is leaving his post as President & COO to join London-based CSM. Shifrin, who will operate out of N.Y., will be CSM's CEO for North America and primarily will be tasked with developing its consulting business in the U.S. He begins Aug. 1 and will report to HARLAN STONE, CSM Chair for this region. Shifrin had been Octagon President & COO since '05. Shifrin described Octagon as "a great company where I’ve made some of my best friends, but I don't know, it was just time.” Shifrin said he was drawn to CSM's "exciting ambition" and that he "relishes his next career challenge.” A key factor in Shifrin’s decision was the opportunity to work side-by-side with Stone, a longtime friend. The two will work closely to build the consulting line, but Shifrin also will oversee CSM's other U.S. agencies at JMI and JHE. Stone hired Shifrin at Octagon 18 years ago and the chance to work together again was an attraction. “Now what we’ve got to figure out is what pieces we’re missing and how to build, either organically or through acquisition,” Shifrin said. “We’re recruiting for several positions." ZAK BROWN, CSM Group CEO, said Shifrin's hire should be seen as an indicator of the agency's commitment to growth in North America. CSM is a collection of 14 agencies around the world, but Brown has made the U.S. his immediate focus. "We're starting to build," Brown said. "Jeff's skill set helped build Octagon into a world-class organization and now we're starting to shape CSM into what it's going to look like."
FILLING THE VOID: At Octagon, JOHN SHEA, an SBJ/SBD "Forty Under 40" winner in '08, has been promoted to President of Marketing & Events and JEFF EHRENKRANZ, a "Forty Under 40" winner in '11, has been promoted to President of Int'l Marketing. Both will report directly to Octagon Worldwide Chair & CEO RICK DUDLEY. Shea has most recently managed Octagon’s North and South American consulting teams, while Ehrenkranz has served as Octagon Managing Dir for Europe, the Middle East and India. He will be based in London and oversee operations and new business across Asia Pacific. Dudley said of Shea and Ehrenkranz jointly taking on Shifrin's responsibilities: "It is a well-known fact our management ranks are full of competent and ready leaders. John Shea and Jeff Ehrenkranz -- already global leaders in our organization -- assume Shifrin's responsibilities immediately with no limitations on Octagon's future. They bring an unmatched expertise, industry relationships and a bold commitment that make them uniquely suited to meet tomorrow’s market challenges for our agency, our clients and our people."
