Ken Jackson Named President of Chicago Branding Firm Arends

Oak Brook, IL (April 24, 2008) – Brand marketing firm Arends, a leading provider of strategic ideas that grow business-to-business brands, announced the promotion of veteran Ken Jackson to the position of President.

“It’s an exciting privilege and opportunity,“ Jackson remarked. “Our industry is reinventing itself, and Arends is right there, helping clients navigate the new digital landscape, connecting customers to their brands in totally new and innovative ways. It’s a challenging, exhilarating time for b-to-b marketers who love to compete and win business by delivering exceptional brand experiences for their customers.“

Jackson just completed his 19th year with the company, most recently as Vice President and Creative Director. He has been actively involved with every account, helping to create award-winning campaigns that cross media formats and create compelling experiences. The Arends client list over its 50-year history includes Siemens, Philips Electronics, Lucent Technologies and Kaiser Aluminum.

“Ken’s breadth of experience, as well as his leadership abilities and upbeat passion for growing our clients’ brands, make him uniquely equipped to lead our team,“ said John Arends, CEO. “We’re in a new digital era, and Ken’s creative and strategic insights will continue to create client successes, as we apply digital marketing technologies across a wide range of b-to-b opportunities.“

Mr. Jackson spent several years on the client side after graduating from Columbia College, where he studied and earned a degree in graphic design. During his rise through the agency’s ranks, he has produced successful integrated marketing campaigns for clients that include Advance (lighting technologies), Systech (building materials software), Glenview State Bank (financial services), Philips Lighting (lighting systems), Tyco (electrical products infrastructure) and New Millennium Building Systems (steel joist and deck), to name just a few.

About Arends
Arends is proud to be celebrating its 50th year in business. Ken Jackson is the fifth person to serve as president, following in the footsteps of founder Don Arends, Bob Erickson, Gary Everhart and John Arends. He will retain his role as creative director of the agency.