J. Walter Thompson Company. John R. Maher papers, 1970-1987 and undated

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Summary

Creator:
J. Walter Thompson Company
Abstract:
Founded in 1864, the J. Walter Thompson company (JWT) is one of the oldest and largest enduring advertising agencies in the United States. John R. Maher was an executive for JWT specializing in corporate development as well as account management. The John R. Maher Papers date from 1974 through 1986, with the bulk of the material spanning 1985-1986, roughly the period during which Maher managed corporate development for JWT. The collection contains information regarding companies proposed for acquisition by JWT; details from the acquisition of Winona Research; research and presentations regarding the state of advertising in China; strategic planning information for JWT Group and its subsidiaries; as well as some information about mega mergers and so called mega agencies. The materials include correspondence, reports, news clippings, presentation slides, corporate logos, contracts, financial documents, revenue projections, and promotional brochures. Companies mentioned in the files include Hill & Knowlton; Gallop Organization; Kobs and Brady; Simmons Market Research Bureau; and Towers, Perrin, Forster & Crosby. Acquired as part of the John W. Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising & Marketing History.
Extent:
3 Linear Feet
2100 Items
Language:
Material in English
Collection ID:
RL.00725

Background

Scope and content:

The John R. Maher Papers date from 1974 through 1986, with the bulk of the material spanning 1985-1986, roughly the period during which Maher managed corporate development for JWT. The collection contains information regarding companies proposed for acquisition by JWT; details from the acquisition of Winona Research; research and presentations regarding the state of advertising in China; strategic planning information for JWT Group and its subsidiaries; as well as some information about "mega mergers" and so called "mega agencies." The materials include correspondence, reports, news clippings, presentation slides, corporate logos, contracts, financial documents, revenue projections, and promotional brochures. Companies mentioned in the files include Hill & Knowlton; Gallop Organization; Kobs and Brady; Simmons Market Research Bureau; and Towers, Perrin, Forster & Crosby.

Biographical / historical:
Chronology
Date Event
March 9, 1932
Born, Brooklyn, NY
1953-1956
Served in U.S. Navy
1962
Account Supervisor, Benton & Bowles
1967
Director of Advertising and Promotion, Continental Airlines
1974
Account Director, J. Walter Thompson Company (JWT)
1976
General Manager, JWT Washington Office
1979
Deputy Manager, JWT North American Operations (New York Office)
1981
Senior Vice President, JWT Operations
1982
Group Account Director, JWT
1985
Placed in charge of Corporate Development, JWT Group
1986
Market Research Bureau (MRB Group) acquires Winona Research
1987
Elected Vice President of MRB Group
Acquisition information:
The J. Walter Thompson Company. John R. Maher Papers were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as a transfer in 1987.
Processing information:

Processed by Molly Bragg, March 2010

Encoded by Molly Bragg, March 2010

Accession 870330 is described in this finding aid.

Arrangement:

This collection of general office files is arranged alphabetically. There are four major topic areas within the collection: China, potential acquisitions, strategic planning and Winona Research. There are also several folders regarding the phenomenon of mega agencies and mega mergers wherein agencies continually acquire other agencies, research into expanding the JWT Company into the Southwestern United States, Kellogg company client report, start up documents for the MRB group, and presentations on USA brand leadership and the future of networks. Materials in all folders include general papers including notes, correspondence, presentations, revenue projections and clippings from newspapers and magazines. Other materials include black and white slides and artwork for logos.

Physical location:
For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

Using These Materials

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection.

All or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. The library may require up to 48 hours to retrieve these materials for research use.

Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

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Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], J. Walter Thompson Company. John R. Maher Papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University