I worked with George Tannenbaum at Ogilvy for nearly five years. I recruited him to be Executive Creative Director and serve as “Copy Chief” for the agency on the IBM business and for the New York office.
The latter appointment is worth noting, because it demonstrates his dedication to craft. He knows that every word counts—especially if somebody’s paying for it. In spite of this, George is also a very fast writer: fast, clear and always on point. Fast and good are not incompatible, after all.
Like all good people in the business, George can do more. He is a true writer. You can read some of his writing outside the office here: adaged.blogspot.com. See? It’s hard to imagine how or when he does it, because he is first to the office every morning.
George is also an intellectual. Don’t hold it against him. While you could call him an “idea” guy, you should probably know that his ideas come with unusual connections, deep context and a whole a world of associated ideas. He therefore brings to his work a vast range of reference, and because of it, he knows how important it is to do something new and provocative.
An intellectual isn’t a popular thing to be. But George wears his intelligence lightly and shares it generously. He works with and mentors more younger creatives than nearly anyone I know, and you can be sure they are better off for it.
I am happy to recommend George highly and without reservation for any work that requires thought, craft and insight that’s out of the ordinary.
