Kauffman & Cruz – Group Account Directors at The Bravo Group.

The Bravo Group announce the appointment of Eliud Kauffman as Group Account Director in the New York office and the promotion of Sylvia Cruz to Group Account Director in Chicago.

“Eliud is a results oriented leader with diverse category experience. He understands how to reach and connect brands with U.S. Hispanics at every stage of their acculturation process,” said Linda De Jesús-Cutler, President & COO, The Bravo Group. “We look forward to his leadership and continuing to build on our client’s growth in the marketplace,” added De Jesús-Cutler.

As Group Account Director, Kauffman will lead internal and client contact regarding marketing strategy for the U.S. Latino markets. He will work with clients such as Chevron, Land Rover, Microsoft and USPS. Kauffman will also help build Bravo’s West Coast operations.

Kauffman brings with him 10 years of extensive experience in an integrated environment including Hispanic, general and international market experience. Kauffman has worked with such clients as Volvo Cars of North America, Jaguar, PUIG Fragrance & Personal Care, Yahoo! en Español Personals, Disneyland Resorts, Walgreens, Red Lobster, Fleet Pharmaceuticals, Polaroid and Verizon among others.

Kauffman comes to Bravo from mcgarrybowen, where as Account Managing Director, he was the lead account manager for the Verizon (Copper and FiOs) business. He led competitive monitoring efforts and analysis and was the lead agency partner for integration efforts.

Kauffman began his career at the Mexican Consulate, where he worked as an aide to the consul for two years. Having opted out of a career in Mexican foreign affairs, Kauffman launched into advertising and public relations then at Conill Advertising in New York, where he participated in the Saatchi & Saatchi Management Training Program. He then joined EURO RSCG WW New York to work on its MCI Hispanic business. He ultimately became Director of Euro RSCG Latino, Euro RSCG’s Hispanic practice.

“I look forward to working with such an industry leader and continuing Bravo’s tradition of success,” Kauffman stated.

Coinciding with Kauffman’s appointment, Bravo announces the promotion of Sylvia Cruz to Group Account Director, who will be responsible for key accounts and the leadership of the Chicago office.

“Sylvia clearly knows the business and the Hispanic consumer,” said Linda De Jesús-Cutler, President & COO, The Bravo Group. “She has made significant contributions to the Bravo team and is viewed as a leader for Chicago. We look forward to her continued contributions as she ensures that our current initiatives and business strategies move forward aggressively,” De Jesús-Cutler added.

Previously, as Account Director, Cruz led the Hispanic marketing efforts for Sears Holdings, working synergistically with Y&R to provide solid strategic direction and creative platforms that are relevant for their Hispanic customer. She has been working closely with their multicultural team to help bring Sears Hispanic “back to prominence” by growing their advertising platform above and beyond just TV and radio, by including promotions, on-line, and experiential ideas.

In her new role, Cruz will continue to lead the Sears Business and play an integral role in supporting Bravo’s new business efforts for the Chicago office.

Cruz brings with her over 15 years of advertising experience, much of which was spent targeting the Hispanic market. She joined The Bravo Group in 2004 as an Associate Account Director, where she led the Kraft business working with a number of their brands including Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles, and Natural Cheeses.

Cruz began her advertising career in the General Market at Leo Burnett, where she worked as an Account Coordinator for Phillip Morris. Her heart and passion led her to transition into the Hispanic market where she was a founding member of Lápiz. There, Cruz worked closely with management to run the Hispanic market efforts for Procter & Gamble. As an Account Supervisor she oversaw brands such as Secret Deodorant, Gain Detergent, Pepto Bismol, and Luvs Diapers. In 2002 Cruz received an Effie Award for her business building efforts on Gain Detergent. In 2003, she was promoted to Management Supervisor after successfully leading and winning several new business pitches for Wrigley Gum, Hanes/Hanes Her Way and Tecate Beer. She was charged with leading the Tecate business and quickly launched a campaign entitled “You Recognize Authenticity” (“Lo Autentico se Reconoce”) designed to revamp their image.

“I look forward to the new challenge and providing outstanding services to our current clients as we continue to attract new clients,” said Cruz.