This week we saw the merger of two independent agencies, Extreme Group (founded in 1997) and Blammo Worldwide (established in 1991 as Gee, Jeffery & Partners/GJP) have announced the two agencies have merged to form Arrivals + Departures (profile). As the two agencies combine they bring a workforce of over 50 staff in Toronto and Halifax.
Mike Bevacqua takes the helm as President of Arrivals + Departures and run the agency’s Toronto office. Mike joined Extreme Group in 2008 and was one of the company’s first hires outside of Atlantic Canada. Also on the leadership team in Toronto are Phil Sylver, Creative Director, Dawn Whiteman, Director, Planning, Claire McRae, Director, Production and Daniel Tolensky, Partner, Chief Financial Officer, who was instrumental in bringing the agencies together. New senior hires include Ian Brooks (formerly John St.) as Director, Client Service and Sathish Bala as VP, Digital & Technology.
Shawn King, Partner, Chief Creative Officer, and Martin Delaney, Partner, VP, Planning will continue to lead the agency’s Halifax office.