NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Taylor CEO & Managing Partner, Tony Signore, was honored with a SABRE Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement by The Holmes Group, one of the most respected authorities on the business of public relations. The SABRE Awards recognize Superior Achievement in Branding Reputation & Engagement worldwide.
During the annual awards ceremony held last night in New York City, Holmes Group CEO Paul Holmes recognized Signore for “transforming Taylor from an old-fashioned publicity shop with a roster of 70 clients in 2004 to a strategic brand counselor and public relations partner to a select and powerful roster of blue-chip companies today.” Holmes noted “as a direct result of Signore’s bold vision, and a business model that calls for an alliance with only 15 client partners, Taylor recorded its highest revenue in agency history in 2013. Taylor’s radical transformation, which was further validated through the publication of a Harvard Case Study in 2011, continues to inspire organizational change across the public relations discipline.”
“I am humbled and proud to accept this award on behalf of 100 professionals at Taylor who remain steadfast in their commitment to continually advance their strategic performance,” said Signore. “Plain and simple, the transformation of Taylor would not have been possible without their collaborative spirit and willingness to embrace change. They are the ones who fully embody a vision that was defined entirely in terms of what will create irreplaceable value for our 15 client partners.”
Signore joined Taylor in January 1989 and in his first decade concentrated solely on the development of global sponsorship campaigns. By the end of the 90’s, he had taken Taylor to worldwide recognition through award-winning programs personally implemented on the ground in 57 countries, spanning every continent. He focused his attention back in the U.S. region in 2000 before his appointment to Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner in 2004. In his first year as CEO, Signore expanded the agency’s geographical footprint and made a bold statement within the industry when he announced a plan to redefine Taylor’s client roster from 71 accounts to a select and powerful portfolio of 15 client partners. Over a five-year period, Signore’s idea of “addition by subtraction” came to fruition as Taylor parted ways with more than 60 clients who were not in alignment with the new vision. His model eventually paid dividends and led to deeper, more meaningful relationships with Taylor’s 2014 client partners -- iconic brands such as Allstate, Capital One, Diageo, Procter & Gamble, Nestle-Purina, NASCAR, Capital One, 3M, Nike Jordan, Starwood Hotels and Resorts and Taco Bell.
"From the start of his leadership at Taylor, Tony has exemplified a sense of courage, discipline and a strong business acumen that has been deservedly admired throughout the industry," said Lisa Rohrer, Executive Director, Executive Education and Case Development, Harvard University, and co-author of the Harvard Case Study, Transformation at Taylor.
Influenced by the teachings and insight of John Kotter, a renowned authority on leadership and organizational change, Signore prepared his partners and colleagues for more radical changes. Following a thorough analysis of the marketing practices at global consulting firms Bain and McKinsey, Signore formally introduced strategic brand planning to Taylor. Under his direction, Taylor launched a unique process in 2009 that featured a blend of analytical and creative brand planning woven through every stage of program development. Signore’s passion for the brand planning discipline led to the formation of the Taylor Brand Counsel Group (BCG), which has attracted a diverse team of insight specialists, digital strategists, business analysts and brand planners from the industry’s top advertising agencies and global consulting firms.
“Like most great leaders, Tony has the ability to see what’s around the corner and the potential ramifications on the business,” said Brett Jewkes, Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, NASCAR. “What makes him unique in my view is an uncommon resolve that drives him to a highly elevated level of preparation, focus and commitment. There is no one like him in that regard.”
About Taylor
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Taylor is a brand counselor and public relations partner to a select portfolio of the world’s leading consumer brands. Named “Consumer Agency of the Decade” by The Holmes Group, Taylor has partnered with the most influential corporate marketers, utilizing lifestyle, sports and entertainment platforms to drive consumer engagement. Founded in 1984, Taylor has more than 100 employees with headquarters in New York and offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte and London. Taylor’s portfolio of client partners includes Allstate, Diageo, Capital One, General Mills, Kraft, Nestle, NASCAR, Nike Jordan, P&G, RJR, Starwood, 3M, and Taco Bell. Learn how “We’re Built Differently” at www.taylorstrategy.com.
