Y&R worldwide planning boss Sandy Thompson has lamented the state of account management in the agency landscape, arguing account managers used to build brands but now do little more than book appointments.
In an interview with AdNews, Thompson was particularly vocal about the demise of account management, suggesting the business-minded executives of times past have given way to something else.
“The art of account management has almost gone. In the day, those guys knew how to build a brand. They knew how to actually impact a client's business, above and beyond what and when the next meeting is.
“And that's what's happened to account management. It has gotten down to booking appointments, making sure people show up when they are supposed to show up.”
She suggested that the world is full of global creative heads and global planning bosses, but not global account leaders.
For the full interview with Thompson, pick up the latest edition of AdNews (2 November), in print and on iPad.
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.
Have something to say? Send us your comments using the form below or contact the writer at davidblight@yaffa.com.au
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.