DETROIT — Skidmore Studio announced it has hired Michael Hill, 14-year marketing industry executive and native Detroiter, as vice president, director of business development. Hill, 35, was most recently senior vice president, director of client services at Young & Rubicam in Chicago. At Skidmore, Hill will lead efforts to bring in national business and grow the studio’s work beyond design and digital.
“Mike brings to our creative studio a vast network and an understanding of national and global clients,” Tim Smith, president and CEO of Skidmore Studio, said. “We believe our best clients are those who appreciate and respect what our process of Design Thinking can do for their bottom line. We also believe that our talent and creative work is world-class, and that Mike can help us connect with clients who are hungry for this type of work.”
Hill will help Skidmore bring in the right clients by expanding the studio’s local, regional and national scope.
“Skidmore’s strategic approach, leadership and depth of talent offer a lethal combination that clients will find desirable, regardless of geographic location,” said Hill. “The studio is already creating award-winning work locally, and I look forward to helping expand the Skidmore name beyond Detroit.”
Before joining Skidmore, Hill spent nearly six years at Young & Rubicam Chicago, developing award-winning work with creative powerhouses that include Mark Figliulo (TBWA Chiat/Day), Ken Erke (R/GA), and Bob Winter (CP+B). His clients, which included MillerCoors, Hotels.com, Dave & Busters, and several non-profit organizations, have won numerous awards from the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, London International Awards, Clio Awards and The One Show.
Prior to moving to Chicago in 2005, Hill worked at McCann-Erickson and BBDO in the Detroit metro area, specializing in automotive and finance. He began his career at J. Walter Thompson working on Ford Motor Co. and Dominos Pizza. Hill is a graduate of Michigan State University.
“I’m thrilled to be joining such a highly respected, passionate and skilled group right here in my hometown,” said Hill. “The Detroit creative industry is strong, and I look forward to being a part of the downtown renaissance with the Skidmore team.”
