Two founding partners at Kemp Goldberg leaving next week, say they're 'ready for a change'
Two founding partners at Kemp Goldberg Partners are leaving next week, prompting the Portland-based advertising and public relations firm to change its name by the end of the year.
Alex Kemp confirmed to Mainebiz that he and Pam Kemp, two of the firm’s founding partners, are leaving on their own accord, effective July 31, reducing the company’s number of partners from six to four. They are not retiring.
“We’re exploring a few different business options that are outside of the advertising field,” Kemp said. He said that after working in the ad agency business for 21 years, “we just decided we’re ready for a change.”
“I wanted to thank everyone at the agency for their dedication and hard work,” he continued. “I’m deeply appreciative of the work everyone has done over the years, but I also look forward to what comes in the future.”
Kemp was the advertising manager for Hannaford Bros. before joining Portland-based Perry Banks Kemp as a partner in 1993. Pam Kemp, who also had worked at Hannaford, joined the firm a year later. Both left in 2005, then founded Kemp Goldberg Partners with David Goldberg later that year.
Kemp said one of the most fascinating parts about advertising is the opportunity to work with a wide variety of businesses, including defense contractors and seaplane designers. “I think the range of companies I’ve been exposed to has been rewarding,” he said.
He also said it’s been fulfilling to work in a business “that attracts very interesting and creative people. It’s both challenging and very gratifying to work with people who are very intelligent and able to uncover the emotional reason for a brand’s existence.”
Derek M. LaVallee, one of the firm’s partners, told Mainebiz that with the two partners leaving, the firm will change its name by the end of the year.
“This will be a fun process because this is what we do for other companies,” he said about branding the company as it changes.
LaVallee said the Kemps’ partner positions will not be replaced. Besides Goldberg and LaVallee, the firm’s other two partners are Dan Ventura and Don Fibich.
LaVallee noted that the firm’s staff has been growing. For instance, LaVallee said, Quincy Hentzel, the current director of governmental affairs for the Maine Credit Union League, will join the team in August. Hentzel also is currently the vice president of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, and will take over as its president starting next summer.
Some of Kemp Goldberg’s clients include Verrill Dana, Camden National Bank, Con-way, Wreaths Across America and Intermed.
Read more
Kemp Goldberg changes name to reflect agency's values, growth ambitions
Most Recent
Most Recent
Comments