Sean Cummins: ‘It’s almost my responsibility to redress areas in advertising that aren’t quite working’
Founding partners of Cummins & Partners New York
Sean Cummins says he is using the New York office of agency Cummins & Partners to take aim at the lack of female leaders in the industry, adding he sees it as his “responsibility” to redress “areas in advertising that aren’t quite working”,.
The New York office of the agency, which was founded in Melbourne four years ago, was launched in May and has picked up project work for Perrier-Jouët Champagne as well as the launch of Heidi Klum Intimates globally, work which is expected to be seen locally.
Speaking to Mumbrella from New York Cummins said the agency was created because he wanted to “redress” what he thought was “wrong in advertising” including the separation of creative and media within agencies and the lack of a strong female presence.
You tell ’em Sean. While you’re at it, get some media stuff happening. There’s a few good women around that could help your cause there. I’m guessing you’ll know who they are too.
Robbo.
Er, what does this mean?
“The New York of the agency, which was founded in Melbourne four years ago, was launched in May “
Hi Sub,
Looks like we missed out on the key word ‘office’. I’ve fixed that up now.
Cheers,
Miranda – Mumbrella
Fabulous. Any moves to make it more attractive for women to enter and stay in the advertising, media and creative industries are very welcome. Let’s hope it becomes so common it doesn’t necessitate feature news articles soon enough!
I think Sub wanted to know how the New York office was founded in Melbourne…?
Good for you @SeanCummins! Mireille Guilliano is a brilliant lady and will be a wonderful leader for the business. All the very best to you both.
About time the industry tapped into more female talent. Sean’s commitment to good people regardless of gender should be applauded and his stance here particularly appreciated (too late for me perhaps, but great for the future women managers!). I’ve loved Sean’s position on doing the right thing from social online slagging, indigenous culture and now female equality.
I second Cat!
Good work Sean, always a clear voice of reason and common sense.
Is there anything this bloke is not capable of?
Maybe an ad that isn’t annoying every time it comes on?
But as for building a business – he’s undeniably good.
man on a mission..to self promote!
Because promoting yourself and your business is a terrible way to make sure you’re successful, isn’t it Tom! Maybe he should just be happy to be unknown like you.
Recently jumped from MEL agency land to NYC.
Yes – Cummins is 100% correct that there is a sort lack of female leaders in Australia. Management groups at most Aussie agencies are real sausage fests.
BUT – It is not the same here in the USA. The first thing that struck me about my first gig in NYC is that more than half the executive leadership team was female and both of my managers were women. My second gig here just went on to prove that it’s just the way it is Stateside.
Not sure what it’s like in the rest of the USA, but “having women at the top” is a weirdly backwards way to position your agency. It serves only to reinforce that you’re grappling with something everyone else here dealt with a decade ago.
@LW the only thing more ridiculous than a perpetual stream of self promotion is the shrill screams of acolytes
what a load of pompous nonsense.
It’s great that Sean has found a leadership team he’s happy with and it’s great that they’re women but it does them and everybody a disservice if they’re wheeled out as trophies.
Kudos Arwa !
I am kind of embarrassed and ashamed to read the negative comments here.
I read the article again.
Then decided to visit the agency website.
http://www.cumminsandpartners......york-team/
This is a great read. And I think when we see other agencies follow their lead and make positive changes, then words like “trophies” and “self promotion” will be replaced with “smart business decision”. Because that’s what it is.
Tom G, I’m no acolyte. Never met the guy, never worked for or with him at any of his companies or clients. (Feel free to ask for the IP address check :-)).
I just find it a little strange that given he’s in advertising (and possibly you are too), you would bag him out for his obvious skills in advertising himself.
@transplant
http://fortune.com/2014/12/09/.....diversity/
Your anecdata doesnt really stack up
and
http://fortune.com/2014/12/09/.....diversity/
sorry..i meant and….
http://digiday.com/agencies/5-.....cies-2014/