Irish Ad Execs Launch Ideas Agency

In Ireland, a group of former ad agency executives have set up 'Boys and Girls', a new marcoms agency which offers clients 'simple, effective ideas' via creative services such as brand positioning, market research and consumer insight planning.

The six partners have opened their agency, 'Boys and Girls', in Dublin. With 83 years' experience between them, the partners have worked on many of Ireland's top 50 brands.

Headed by Managing Partner Pat Stephenson, who was Deputy MD at ad services agency McConnells until September, the team also includes former McConnells MD Fiona Scott.

Three of the other directors are former McConnells executives: Margaret Gilsenan, who has specific responsibility for customer insights; Chris Upton who is responsible for client service; and Patrick Meade who is in charge of strategic planning. Former Euro RSCG executive Rory Hamilton is in charge of creative output.

'Clients are really looking for more inventive ways of getting their message across,' stated Stephenson. 'It's very hard to get people's attention these days, but a really great, simple idea will always cut through the noise. We want to come up with ideas that are so good, everyone will wish they had had them.'

In addition to the full-time team, the new agency can call on a network of specialist freelancers such as psychologists, architects, comedians and photographers.

'There's nothing like Boys and Girls in the Irish market,' added Stephenson. 'We look forward to carving out a distinctive new place in the industry with a combination of compelling ideas, unparalleled experience and talented execution.'

Web site: www.boysandgirls.ie .