Detroit’s Mort Crim Communications Inc., an integrated marketing firm, has been sold to the company’s executive team. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The new principals are Christopher Heaton, former COO and CFO who is taking over as CEO; Richard Donley, former senior vice president and now president; Todd Haight, former senior vice president and now chief strategy officer; and Jennette Smith Kotila, former senior vice president and now chief marketing officer.
Oprea will be of counsel to the agency for the short term to aid in the transition.
The company has more than 40 clients including national and international brands. Its industry expertise includes automotive, supply chain, professional services, manufacturing, education, government, health care, real estate, association, and nonprofit segments. The agency offers advertising, branding, creative services, digital media, video production, and public relations.
“We admire and respect Terry for his 26 years of leadership since he joined the firm in 1993,” says Heaton, who has been with Mort Crim for 22 years. “Our agency, founded on the principles of integrity and excellence, is well-positioned in this competitive market to continue the acceleration of our growth and success as we begin this next chapter.”
The new ownership team plans to keep its headquarters in Detroit’s Murphy-Telegraph Building, located in the financial district. The company will also add 4,000 square feet of space with a grand opening expected in the first quarter. It moved to Detroit in 2014 and has operated an office in Orlando since 2014.
Mort Crim Communications was founded in 1993 by broadcaster Mort Crim. He retired in 2008 and sold the firm to Oprea.
“This is the culmination of years of planning between our executives and myself,” says Oprea. “The new ownership team knows virtually every detail of leading, growing, and managing this award-winning agency, so I expect a seamless, excellent future for MCCI.”