Rob Schwartz Named Los Angeles Advertising Agencies Association 2005/2006 Leader of the Year

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles Advertising Agencies Association (LAAAA) today announced that Rob Schwartz, Executive Creative Director of TBWA\CHIAT\DAY -- part of Omnicom Group Inc. -- in Los Angeles, has been named "Leader of the Year," the industry's top honor. The 2005/2006 Leader of the Year ceremony will take place February 23, 2006 at The Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel, 9500 Wilshire Boulevard starting at 7:00 pm.

The LAAAA founded the prestigious "Leader of the Year" awards ceremony in 1957 to annually recognize the industry professional who merits the distinguished honor. Previous winners include: Robert LePlae, President of TBWA\North America (2004); Jo Muse, Chairman/Executive Creative Director of Muse Cordero Chen & Partners (2004); Lee Clow, Chief Creative Officer of TBWA\ Worldwide (1998); Scott Gilbert, CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi Los Angeles (2002); Michael Sheldon, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Deutsch LA (2001); and Jay Chiat, who was awarded the coveted "Leader of the Decade" award in 1990.

"We are honored to recognize Rob Schwartz for his accomplishments in the field of advertising. His contributions to the community as Beldings Award Chairman for the past two years and the combination of his creative talent, entrepreneurship and the leadership skills make him an ideal choice as our 2005 Leader of the Year," said Colleen Kelly, president of LAAAA.

Nomination process:

The Leader of the Year Committee sends out a call for Nominations to the entire LAAAA membership. Nominations are reviewed by the Committee and presented to the LAAAA Board of Directors for a final vote of approval.

Leader of the Year Committee: Rick Carpenter LAAAA, Leader of the Year Chairman; President, DDB Los Angeles Colleen Kelly LAAAA President; Partner, Director of Business Development, Deutsch LA Selection Criteria:

The Los Angeles Advertising Agencies Association Leaders of the Year are individuals who are known within our advertising community, who are admired by those who work for and with them, and who inspire others to do great work. By their actions, they should contribute to making Southern California a world- class advertising community. Leaders may be from an agency, a media company or a client.

About Rob Schwartz

When Lee Clow anointed Rob Schwartz (40) Executive Creative Director for the LA office he told him he was giving him the job because "He had enough ego to build something great, but not so much ego that he would try to do it all by himself."

And build something great, he has. Over the last three years, as Executive Creative Director, Rob has led the award-winning creative department of TBWA\Chiat\Day, Los Angeles. In this time, he has led all creative efforts for Nissan and Infiniti here and abroad. Also, under his leadership, the agency has won several new accounts including Anheuser-Busch, Visa, Pennzoil, Sara Lee (Ball Park Franks, Jimmy Dean and Senseo), Hoover Vacuum and The Principal Financial Group among others.

Rob joined the agency as an Associate Creative Director in 1998. Since then he has become one of the principal architects for the Nissan brand. He began by leading the effort on the brand's global platform, SHIFT_, the campaign that has played a major role in the automaker's stunning comeback. Rob's initial efforts for Nissan include the work that launched the Xterra -- the most successful new product launch in Nissan's history (and the recipient of the coveted Grand Effie award.) More recently, Rob led the charge on the extremely successful M launch and the rebirth of Infiniti.

Rob cut his "advertising teeth" working for Hall of Fame copywriter David Altschiller and legendry Art Director Bob Reitzfeld.

Prior to working at TBWA\Chiat\Day, Rob was a creative director, helping to build both Lexus and adidas footwear into major brands. On Lexus, he was the first advertising person to work with and coax Hollywood luminaries Robert Duvall, Demi Moore and Joe Pesci to do commercials -- casting them as the voices of different roads in a Lexus campaign called "The Road is Calling. Answer it."

His work has appeared in nearly every major advertising award show as well as Adweek's "Best of the Decade."

Rob grew up in New York City. He's a graduate of the University of Michigan and attended the School of Visual Arts in New York. Rob is a coveted and frequent guest speaker. He's made appearances at Harvard University, The University of Southern California, and the Museum of TV and Radio at the Yahoo Creative Summit.

In Los Angeles, Rob met the love of his life, fellow writer Betsy Hamilton. They have two children, Caroline and Henry.

About The Los Angeles Advertising Agencies Association

The Los Angeles Advertising Agencies Association (LAAAA) has been a vital force in the Los Angeles advertising community for more than 50 years. Formerly the Western States Advertising Agencies Association (WSAAA), the organization has provided an unparalleled opportunity for agency principals to collaborate in the development of the Los Angeles advertising community through programs such as the Annual Conference, Leader of the Year, Round Tables and Advertising University and College Career Day. The LAAAA provides membership with opportunities for recruitment, development and training, legal counsel and collaboration. For more information, please log onto http://www.laaaa.com/.

Tickets are $160 each, tables of 10 people are priced at $1,600 each and tables of 12 people are available for $1,920. For more ticket information or reservations, please contact the LAAAA at (323) 857-5301 or go to http://www.laaaa.com/.