What’s in a Name?
The name Zelig was conceived of in a kitchen at the end of 2018. While thinking of names for my fledgling consulting practice, I played with the initials of the first names of my wife and four daughters (Livia, Emily, Isabel, Grace and Zoe), and spelled out ZELIG.
Not only was Zelig my favorite Woody Allen movie, but the word referred to a person’s or entity’s ability to change appearance, behavior or attitudes in any situation. This seemed perfect for an advisory practice focused on branding and marketing.
I also liked that the name began with Z. The letter has many rich cultural and symbolic meanings. In our alphabet it resembles a lightning bolt; in the Hebrew alphabet the equivalent letter means “weapon of the spirit.”
Perhaps most important, in English it is traditionally used to mark an ending (A to Z). And what is an ending but a new beginning? It’s a perfect symmetry for a consulting practice designed to help its clients get to the next level.
Simon Pearce, Founder, Zelig Advisory Services
A Bit About Me
My preference is to talk about you. But since you have got this far, you probably want to know something about me.
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Mature, self-aware business and operational leader focused on results and growth. Broad and deep expertise in client, agency, partner management and vendor positions. Executive experience in financial services, consumer goods, big and small tech, digital media, and marketing, from B2C to B2B and anywhere in between. Company founder and early-stage investor.
Born in the UK and now a US citizen, I have more than 30 years of experience as a marketer, a chief executive and an entrepreneur, working for Fortune 500 companies and start-ups alike.
After launching my career in brand management at Diageo in the UK, I moved to D’Arcy Advertising in London to help lead its P&G and M&M Mars European accounts. In 1993 I headed to Poland to help establish the D’Arcy brand there, supporting clients including Glaxo, Coca-Cola, P&G and M&M Mars.
In 1999 I moved to the client side, becoming VP of brand advertising for Coca-Cola Brands in the USA. My love of the strategic creative process led me in 2003 to become the global executive lead for the American Express business at Ogilvy & Mather with much success over the ensuing 10 years.
Three years at BBDO/Omnicom saw me lead and grow its consolidated Hewlett-Packard business across 15 agency brand companies.
In 2015, I joined mcgarrybowen as CEO, charged with revitalizing and repositioning the company. Overseeing three US offices and more than 600 employees, I grew the business significantly and in a pinnacle achievement wrestled the American Express account from Ogilvy after a 50-year relationship.
In 2018, I joined J. Walter Thompson Group as North America CEO, presiding over $300 million in revenue and more than 1,000 employees across four operating companies.
The following year I left JWT to help launch a start-up in a health and wellness venture and found my own brand and marketing advisory practice, Zelig Advisory Services LLC.
What This Means for You
I bring a wealth of hands-on experience from businesses large and small. I’ve helped buy and sell companies and been a change agent leading a variety of turnarounds. As an entrepreneur, I have driven sustained early-stage growth. I have successfully navigated the daunting matrices of American Express and Hewlett-Packard, and I have helped create new businesses (NAV, Sensiband) out of nothing more than an idea.
To sum it up, I’ve seen a lot and done a lot. Successfully. Which means I can help you reach your goals.
You’ll find out more information on my LinkedIn profile.