Following the kick-off of a rebrand, it’s a new day here at BGRM. With this new day comes invigorating and promising changes, including a transition of leadership. Bruce Murdy, who served as the owner and Managing Director of the agency, has moved to a consulting role with Buffalo Groupe after an incredible 35 years on the team.
When Bruce Murdy decided to head to Charleston, S.C. in 1987 to pursue an opportunity with David Rawle and Associates, he would have never imagined staying at the same company for three and a half decades. After transitioning to sole owner in 1998, Bruce led with great strategy and impact. While so much has changed in the past 35 years, two things have remained the same: the passion Bruce has for communications and the respect he carries for the people he works with every day.
After reflecting on the constant changes of his 35 year run with the firm, and as a farewell message to his old position, Murdy gave his final thoughts by saying “I would not be here today if I didn't enjoy almost every minute of almost every day. It's fun. It's fascinating. It's creative. It challenges you strategically. That has never changed. It also goes back to the people. If I didn't like the people, I wouldn't be here.”
From all of us at BGRM, thank you, Bruce. Change is inevitable, but our gratitude is endless.
So what’s next? BGRM’s new chapter will be led by current SVP & Head of Integration John Kautz and Executive Creative Director Genna Shelnutt, who are stepping in as managing directors of the firm. With Kautz and Shelnutt comes a perfect combination of experience and optimism as the duo looks forward to shaping the future of the agency.
John Kautz is a graduate of Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Georgia. With a specialty in brand strategy, account management, and some early career media planning/buying experience for Walmart Vision Centers, Kautz rose from the ranks of Account Executive at BGRM (then Rawle Murdy) after joining in 1998. Since then, Kautz has initiated highly focused, research-driven integrated marketing initiatives. Embracing his industry focus on hospitality clients, as well as his passion for home service (grown out of his love for making and fixing things in his home and wood shop), Kautz has become a vital member to the team who still finds love in overcoming challenges, inspiring his team and learning from his peers- especially those younger than him.
Genna Shelnutt graduated from the Honors Program at the University of Georgia with dual degrees in business management and advertising. She first joined BGRM (then Rawle Murdy) as a summer intern, eventually landing herself a full-time position in the agency and working her way from account service to public relations to SEO specialist to copywriter. After a brief stint working in-house for Charleston-based software company Blackbaud, Genna returned to BGRM to continue to grow her advertising career. She now oversees more than 20 creatives across Buffalo Groupe as the Executive Creative Director in addition to serving as a Managing Director of the Charleston office.
The Kautz-Shelnutt team plans to build on the solid foundation Murdy created to take BGRM even further by shining a brighter spotlight on its creative and digital capabilities. By keeping focus on talent, creativity, company culture, community, and consistent challenging and growth of clients, Kautz and Shelnutt will further establish BGRM as a leader in this creative space, in the Lowcountry, and for our clients.
Help us give the warmest welcome to Genna and John among a pivotal point in their careers and BGRM’s future!
