Wieden+Kennedy lays off 20% staff at its HQ office

[Jobhunter]

Image: Wieden + Kennedy

 

The recent layoffs at Wieden+Kennedy, a renowned advertising agency, have sent ripples through the industry. The company announced a significant reduction in its workforce, specifically at its headquarters in Portland. This event has sparked discussions about the future of the advertising industry and the implications for other firms in the sector.

 

Wieden+Kennedy, known for its creative campaigns for major clients like Nike, laid off 90 employees, which constitutes 20% of its Portland staff. This decision was reportedly made to better align with client work4. Jason White, the president of W+K Portland, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, "Layoffs are terrible. There’s no way to sugarcoat it".

 

The layoffs come amidst a broader trend of job cuts in the advertising industry. However, a spokesperson for Wieden+Kennedy clarified that their layoffs were part of a restructuring process and not due to the loss of a specific client. They also stated that these layoffs were not connected to the ongoing layoffs at Nike.

 

Despite these assurances, the layoffs have raised questions about the stability of jobs in the advertising industry. The size of ad agencies has traditionally been tied to their clientele. However, the recent layoffs signal a more fundamental shift in the industry.

 

The agency also lost a couple of accounts, such as TurboTax in Portland and Duracell in New York. These factors may have contributed to the decision to reduce the workforce.

 

The layoffs at Wieden+Kennedy serve as a stark reminder of the volatility of the advertising industry. As companies continue to navigate the rapidly changing business landscape, the need for adaptability and resilience becomes increasingly apparent.

 

In conclusion, the Wieden+Kennedy layoffs represent a significant shift in the advertising industry. While the company cites restructuring as the primary reason for the layoffs, the event raises questions about the future of the industry and the security of jobs within it. As the industry continues to evolve, companies and employees alike must adapt to survive and thrive.

 

What are your thoughts on the recent layoffs at Wieden+Kennedy? How do you see this event impacting the future of the advertising industry? We invite you to share your views on this topic.

 

 

Read more:

• https://adage.com/article/agency-news/wiedenkennedy-lays-20-its-portland-staff/2543976
• https://news.yahoo.com/ad-agency-wieden-kennedy-cuts-220615558.html
• https://www.fastcompany.com/91045275/wiedenkennedys-layoffs-represent-a-big-shift-in-the-advertising-industry