Ray Gillette, a WVU School of Journalism graduate who supervised the creation of the”Whassup with the Whassup”Budweiser advertising campaign, will speak to students and the public about developing marketing strategies at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, in Room 104 Clark Hall on WVU s Downtown Campus. The presentation is part of 2002 Journalism Week.
Gillette, president of DDB Chicago, will address Understanding the Marketplace: A Blueprint for Action, discussing the importance of a clear and focused strategy in creating advertising that works.
His 24 years at one of the world’s most awarded ad agencies has taught Gillette that great marketing starts with a fundamental understanding of the marketplace, which in turn produces a blueprint for actiona strategy.
This same thinking and approach to the marketing mix applies across all forms of communication. Gillette will share his insights as well as some fun, exciting ads for some of the world’s leading brands DDB Chicago created.
Gillette joined DDB Chicago in 1978 as an account executive on Busch Beer. Shortly after arriving he was made an account supervisor. In 1982 he moved over to the Dial Soap business, where he had day-to-day responsibility for the successful launch of two new products, Pure&Natural and Liquid Dial. During this time he also worked on a number of General Millsbrands, including Betty Crocker and the Busch Entertainment Corp.
He was elected a managing partner in 1994, and as a managing partner of DDB Chicago, he oversaw the Morton, State Farm, US WEST and Van Kampen businesses.
In July 2000, Gillette was appointed president of DDB Chicago. In addition to the day-to-day management and leadership of DDB ’s largest agency, he continues to oversee the State Farm, Morton, Emerson Electric and Qwest businesses.
Before assuming his current post, Gillette was founder and president of Beyond DDB , DDB’s North American integrated communications group. He has been an advocate for and leader in the integrated movement. He was responsible for building the integrated resources and network in North America and educating employees and clients on the benefits of integrated marketing.
Beyond DDB has offices in 7 markets: Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Vancouver.
Prior to joining DDB , Gillette was an account manager at McDonald&Little Advertising, Atlanta. He also served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
He received a bachelors degree from the WVU Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism. He now enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, fly fishing and outdoor activities.