Digital Shop Razorfish Boosts Lord to CEO

SAN FRANCISCO (AdAge.com) -- Bob Lord is taking the helm at Razorfish, the Microsoft-owned digital agency said today, with former CEO Clark Kokich assuming a newly created chairman post.

Mr. Lord, who before being named CEO was president of the agency's operations in the eastern U.S. since 2004, will now will oversee the entire agency's operations, with all Razorfish regional presidents reporting to him. Mr. Lord will report to Microsoft Chief Financial Officer Chris Liddell. Mr. Kokich will be responsible for Razorfish's strategic direction, work directly with core accounts, and become a public face for the company, Razorfish said. The changes take effect immediately.

"We think this is a natural time for Razorfish to create the position of chairman," said spokeswoman Sally O'Dowd, who added that the agency's growth has prompted the shift. "In recent months, Clark has already been assuming those roles, including acting as an executive sponsor for core client accounts around the world. The time is right for Clark to increase his commitment to that role while Bob steps up to focus on the business success of Razorfish."

Mr. Lord began his career with Razorfish in 2000 and will continue to be based in New York. The agency said it would soon name Mr. Lord's replacement as president. "It's humbling to be named Razorfish CEO from a deep pool of talent inside our agency," Mr. Lord said.

Razorfish rang up $400 million in sales for fiscal 2008, up 28% from 2007, with its U.S. operations contributing $314 million. This year, it expects its non-U.S. operations to generate a third of sales on the back of organic growth, new-business wins and acquisitions, when its fiscal year ends June 30.

Mattel, Mercedes-Benz USA, Purina ALPO, Starwood and TravelChannel.com are among its clients.