By Tom Reynolds

Stephen E. Brown has been named associate vice president for marketing and communications, a key position within the Advancement Division. Gary Rounding, senior vice president for university advancement, announced the appointment following an extensive national search.

Brown, a former top executive at several advertising agencies, will be responsible for five key areas within the Division of University Advancement: public relations, media relations, marketing, advertising and the university's Website.

"Steve will be working to help raise the university's visibility by enhancing image through brand strategy, working to improve public recognition of Wayne State and its people, programs, services and activities. He will be an outstanding team member and leader in our advancement division," Rounding said.

In the area of advertising agency management and account service, Brown was previously with J. Walter Thompson (JWT), where he was a member of the worldwide JWT Board of Directors. He served in a number of upper-level management positions, most recently as president of the Houston/Detroit office. While leading JWT's Detroit Office, the agency's billings increased by $250 million to a $350 million level, the staff more than doubled in size to 175 and the agency opened a Houston office. In addition, the Detroit office earned numerous awards for creativity and marketplace performance.

Prior to JWT, Brown was president of the Ogilvy & Mather Toronto office, serving as new business director. He led the office to $100 million in billings over a three-year period and was promoted successively to general manager and president.

Brown has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto and successfully completed the Strategic Management Program at Harvard University. He currently serves on the board of directors of Adcraft Club of Detroit and Detroit Schools Promise Program.