General Mills’ promotion work is staying put following the exodus of 18 staffers from its lead ad shop Saatchi & Saatchi this week.
Minneapolis-based Mills handles most consumer promotions in-house, with some outside assignments. There are no plans to change that, a General Mills spokesperson said.
The cereal giant hasn’t moved its advertising account from New York-based Saatchi, where 17 staffers—all of whom worked on General Mills business—reportedly resigned on Monday, just three days after the resignation of Vice Chairman Mike Burns, a 25-year veteran who served as account director for General Mills.
Industry sources speculate that Burns may form an agency with the former Saatchi staffers and pursue General Mills’ business. The General Mills spokesperson said no changes have been announced.
General Mills spent $206 million on advertising through October 2004, per TNS Media Intelligence.
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