That old gang of mine ...

Amidst all the hub-bub out in Auburn Hills last week, and ferreting out news of GM's agency scramble ... how did I miss this ...! Kellogg Names GM's Betsy Lazar VP-Global Media - AdAge

The last of the Guarascio/Browner/Ritchie/Donlin/Mediaworks legacy ... takes the A-train to Battle Creek.

Who will GM get to take over that grand mess?


UPDATE: 11-09-09 So, what do we get??? Bring back Phil! Bring Back Phil! Bring Back Phil! Please! says some Detroit Auto know-it-all tool... who calls himself the "Voice of The Automotive World" at his blog TheDetroitBureau.com .

"Guarascio did more to shake-up the automotive agency-client relationship than any other individual when he arrived in Detroit from Benton and Bowles in 1985 by slashing commission rates, instituted negotiating media rates, then unheard of, and, most importantly making the GM advertising function more scientific and accountable. Then he retired and professionalism seemed to go out the door with him."

I suppose the first part is true ... but, as for that last part? ...

Not sure, but I seem to recall that "professionalism" in Phils dictionary had the definition "crony-ism" next to it. Anybody else recall those Conde Nast dinners where he held court?

Honestly, the only science I recall about it was, "what's the vintage? and, I'll take the OpusI. Now ... about that deal ...".

But, hell ... maybe a little good old fashioned cronyism would be a breath of fresh air right about now ... at least you know where you stand.