Chris Shumaker Returns as CMO
The Martin Agency Hires Veteran Exec From FCB to Help Drive Growth
Chris Shumaker returns to his former employer
By Erik Oster
It's a homecoming for Chris Shumaker.
After 13 years, Chris Shumaker is returning to The Martin Agency.
He will serve in the newly-created role of executive vice president, managing director, growth and CMO.
Shumaker joins The Martin Agency from FCB, where he was promoted from North America to global CMO last year, following FCB’s win in the Clorox creative review.
“In his four years here, Chris made an incredible impact in helping to build and fuel our new business momentum. He brings a terrific level of smarts, charisma, passion and a genuine talent for connecting with others – all of which make him so great at what he does. We wish him the best of luck in his return home,” FCB Worldwide CEO Carter Murray said in a statement provided to Adweek.
FCB declined to elaborate on the agency’s plans for Shumaker’s replacement.
Shumaker previously spent over nine years with The Martin Agency, before leaving his position as senior vice president, director of development in 2004 to join Grey New York as executive vice president, business development. He later moved on to a role as U.S. CMO for Publicis North America after a previous stint as FCB’s global CMO. He is also a founding member of the 4A’s New Business Development Committee.
“Chris is not only one of the most versatile and well-respected business development people in our industry, he’s a longtime friend and ally to the agency. We’re thrilled to have him back,” The Martin Agency CEO Matt Williams said in a statement. “Chris will partner with Liz Toms, who will continue in her role as director of business development, and he will play a vital role in our executive leadership to drive the growth and evolution of our company.”
“This is truly a homecoming for me. I have had the privilege of working with the best people in the industry of late, and now I get to do it without getting on a plane,” Shumaker added. “The Martin Agency is a world-class agency with a deep and rich history of results-oriented creativity. I am delighted to rejoin as it allows me to work at the highest level with people I know and love.”
The move follows The Martin Agency closing its New York office after over a decade this past April, following a staff reduction in both its New York office and Richmond, Va., headquarters the month prior.
