As member of the prestigious Advertising Hall of Fame, David Bell has over 40 years of experience in the marketing communications sector. He is Chairman Emeritus and previously served as Chairman and CEO of The Interpublic Group, Inc., one of the world’s largest marketing communications service companies.

Mr. Bell previously held the positions of Chairman and CEO of True North Communications Inc., the world’s sixth largest global advertising and marketing communications holding company. Mr. Bell was also President and CEO of Bozell Worldwide, where he helped grow the agency from $12 million to over $500 million in revenues; and prior to that was President of Knox Reeves Advertising, which was acquired by Bozell.

In his career, he has served virtually every kind of industry, from automotive to financial services; consumer packaged goods as well as business-to-business. Mr. Bell serves the industry as Past Chairman of The Advertising Council, The American Advertising Federation, The Advertising Educational Foundation and The American Association of Advertising Agencies. Mr. Bell was inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame by his peers in March 2007.

Q: What was your first job?

Fresh out of college I was hired by Leo Burnett in Chicago to work in their Training Program. I was the only non-MBA out of 19 people in the program and that  job saved me from going to Law School  

Q:  Of all the jobs you have had were there any that were particularly rewarding/fulfilling – and why?

Yes! My current job of ‘Coach’ – today I am mentoring dozens of young people along with companies like Gyro, Creative Realities and AOL.

Q:  You have mentored a lot of young people – did you have a mentor when you were growing up?

Several but two stand out – Chuck Pihl became a mentor of mine when I was 14 and I will never forget him.

Chuck Peebler, who was the CEO at Bozell Worldwide when I was the President  was my partner, collaborator, friend and mentor for 25 years.

Both men contributed greatly to my business and personal growth.

Q: You know as much about sports media and sponsorships as anyone on the planet — what are the trends you see these days?

Activation and Lower Costs for sure.

These two elements can dramatically drive more efficiency and  higher ROI

Q: You have a World Class family – how have you been able to balance your career with family?

I always schedule family first and business second – and – I always try to remember that ‘one surprise is worth 10 expecteds’

Q: You are a big NY Yankees  fan – who is your favorite Yankees manager of all time?

Joe Torre – he had a unique and invaluable skill of being able to push different buttons with different players to help them raise their game

Q: Do you have a favorite sports memory?

Yes! As an original bond and season ticket holder with the Minnesota Vikings I have vivid and fond memories of the Bud Grant Super Bowl teams during the 70’s.

I also am totally enjoying the amazing resurgence of  Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles this season