Ageism Alive in Ad Agencies But Not in Publishing

Elle was named #3 on Advertising Age’s A list as a result of some breakthrough integrated promotions.  Circulation has risen steadily since Group Publishing Director, Carol A. Smith, joined the magazine.  2007 marked Elle’s fifth consecutive year of ad growth.  Along the way, she partnered with the fledgling “Project Runway”, long before the show was a hit.  “Elle legitimized ’Project Runway’.” says Eli Holzman who was then VP in charge of Miramax which developed the show.

Carol A. Smith, Publishing Innovator and 59 Years Old!

 
Here’s the unbelievable part. Ms. Smith is praised by the Chief Innovation Officer for Publicis Groupe Media because Elle has been doing a good job of pursuing extensions – not just on TV but in books and online!

How can that be?  Ms. Smith is an ancient 59 year old woman.  No one that age can possibly understand the fast paced world we live in much less turn around a magazine using (among other things) digital to reach a younger demographic.  Gasp!

Could it be that the ageism rampant in ad agencies is just one more example of how hopelessly out of synch they are? 

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1370868150/bctid1836680166