J. Walter Thompson Exec Hughes Joins Ford & Earl Associates to Direct Graphic Design Consultancy

    TROY, Mich.--May 2, 2001--Troy-Michigan-based design consultancy Ford & Earl Associates announces that Daniel R. Hughes has joined the firm as Vice President, Director of Graphic Design.
    Formerly a Senior Partner and Creative Director of the Detroit Office of J. Walter Thompson, a multinational advertising agency, Hughes brings to Ford & Earl Associates over 30 years of experience in strategic brand marketing. In his new position, Hughes will serve as director for the firm's graphic design practice group.
    "As we begin the new millennium, the value and place that design plays in the marketplace continues to grow in importance," said Thomas Ernst, President and CEO of Ford & Earl Associates. "Our specialty is the development of strong identity imagery and its application to every visual medium important to conveying our clients' overall brand identity. Dan will strengthen this leadership position with his experience."
    Hughes has held senior management positions with the world's largest and most respected advertising firms including Bozell, Inc., McCann Erickson and Young & Rubicam. Hughes has an extensive background in automotive and aftermarket products. As Senior Partner and Creative Director of the Detroit Office of J. Walter Thompson, Hughes had creative management responsibilities for the Goodyear account. Other past clients include Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corporation, Chrysler Corporation, Mitsubishi and Izusu. Clients in the aftermarket arena include AC Delco, Champion, Rockwell, Motorcraft, Rockwell and MoPar.
    Hughes attended Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan, majoring in advertising and design, where he still continues to advise and lecture.
    Hughes lives in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan.
    Ford & Earl Associates is a nationally ranked design consultancy with practice areas in identity and branding, interior architecture and design, graphic design, wayfinding and signage programs, and exhibit design. Supporting its signage and exhibit businesses, Ford & Earl Associates also operates its own fabrication facility. Ford & Earl Associates was founded in 1964 through the merger of two established design firms -- W.B. Ford Design and Harley Earl Associates. Clients include a diverse group of corporate, health care, hospitality, educational, cultural and retail organizations operating in the U.S. and worldwide.

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