Robert W. Allen Named DMA's Interim President/CEO
Allen temporarily replaces John A. Greco, Jr. who resigned last month.
The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) announced this week that it has named Robert W. Allen, former president of The Vermont Country Store, as the association's interim president/CEO, effective today. Allen replaces John A. Greco, Jr. who resigned from the position last month.
In an open letter addressed to DMA members today, Allen stated that although the position is not permanent, he's hoping to use his term to awaken the "dormant" concept he calls "360 degree corporate mentoring."
"In many ways the digital era has leveled the playing field for companies of all sizes," he wrote. "For a number of years, it seemed that only the large mailers would survive because of volume discounts and economies of scale. Now, many small companies can do everything their big brothers and sisters can do. Brand is king and you do not need to be large to have a well-defined presence in the marketplace. Herein lays the opportunity.
As companies grow they often forget many of the lessons learned along the way. They forget that creativity and entrepreneurship were the driving forces when money was tight and profits were thin. Small companies still have much to learn. They also have something to teach. Large companies can tap into the energy, enthusiasm and ideas that are still launching direct marketing businesses every day."
Allen added that some initiatives to address this concept within the association have already begun and are designed to rebuild trust among its members. "We hope these efforts will rekindle our traditional base, particularly catalogers, and further increase interest, cooperation and trust among the direct marketing community as a whole."
Allen began his career at The Vermont Country Store in 1982 as assistant to the president and advanced to president in 1994. He also has an extensive marketing background, currently serving as a director for six for-profit companies in New England: Gardeners Supply, Cuddledown, Susan Sargent Designs, JK Adams, Danforth Pewterers and Kalow Technologies.
RELATED LINK
Greco Resigns As DMA President/CEO
Recently in Association-Non-Profit 
Most Read on Audience Development
 |
 |
 |
Career Center
Join the Audience Development Group on mediaPRO
Connect with Magazine, eMedia & Publishing Industry Peers
Latest Audience Dev Discussions
Upcoming Webinars
No Upcoming Webinars
