Interpublic was in discussions with Blamer, currently president and CEO of Grey Worldwide New York, to take a senior role at FCB but talks broke down, with reports that Grey was very keen to hold on to him.
Blamer has been with Grey for 15 years, including a stint as chief executive of Grey London between 1998 and 2000. In his new role, he will run all of Grey's offices in North America, including New York, Atlanta, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Toronto and Vancouver.
Ed Meyer, chairman and chief executive officer of Grey Global Group, said that Blamer's success running Grey New York had led to the promotion.
"Steve focused our New York office on revitalising creative work and client service," Meyer said.
"He successfully oversaw the restructuring of the agency into eight autonomous mid-sized agencies called 'Villages'. I'm proud to say that during one of the worst recession periods in the agency business, our revenues, profits and, most significantly, the quality of creative work are all up significantly at Grey Worldwide New York and at Grey in Atlanta."
Before joining Grey London, Blamer was managing director of Grey Los Angeles. During his year in that position, the agency had one of its strongest years to date. While there, Steve helped to build business for Caesars Palace and Coldwell Banker real estate and oversaw Mars Petcare for the US, Canada and Latin America.
Blamer began his advertising career working on the Sunkist beverage account at FCB Chicago, following his graduation from Arizona State in 1979. In 1981, he left FCB for DDB Needham/Chicago and the Kraft Foods business. In 1984, Steve moved back to FCB -- and his native California -- to work in its LA office on First Interstate Bank, the agency's largest account.
Earlier today, Grey Global Group, the owner of Grey Worldwide and MediaCom, announced it had more than doubled its pre-tax profits for the third quarter, up 108.9% to $12.5m.
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