Content area
Full text
DOWNTOWN - Pittsburgh's third-largest advertising agency still calls itself Blattner Brunner Inc., but founder Joe Blattner is departing his everyday role there to pursue other interests. He'll retain the title chairman emeritus, an office and a seat on the privately held company's board.
He is keeping an undisclosed stake in Blattner Brunner, but his position as majority stockholder was largely bought out by Michael Brunner, the agency's president who now becomes CEO and chairman. Financial details were not disclosed.
Both Mr. Blattner and Mr. Brunner described the transition as amicable. They have been working on this next phase in both their careers since October, announced it to the agency's employees at the end of December and completed the legal work the week of Jan. 6.
"What becomes clear in any partnership is each party looks to do things just a bit differently," said Mr. Brunner. "You have to find a way to meet in the middle or you do something like were doing that "I allow Joe to pursue things that are really interesting to him and me to pursue things I'm absolutely passionate about. "
"My question has been, 'Are you good for one run...