15297: The Richards Group Is Grouping Layoffs.

 

Adweek reported The Richards Group cut roughly 15% of staffers—which translates to about 100 people—presumably as a result of client firings inspired by Stan Richards’ culturally clueless commentary. Plus, the White advertising agency contracted a DEI consultancy for equality enlightenment. They also plan to hire a chief culture and talent officer. Of course they do. As previously noted, diversity do-gooders spend more time declaring that DEI is good for business versus examining how anti-diversity is bad for business. The Richards Group will ultimately be able to provide a specific dollar amount for the cost of cultural cluelessness.

 

The Richards Group Lays Off Roughly 15% of Staff

 

Cuts happened shortly after Motel 6 and other clients severed ties with the agency

 

By Minda Smiley

 

The Richards Group went through a round of layoffs at the end of last year, which the agency said affected about 15% of staff. According to its LinkedIn, the Dallas-based shop employs more than 700 people, meaning roughly 100 people have been let go.

 

The cuts come about three months after the independent agency’s founder, Stan Richards, stepped down after making racially charged remarks about a campaign concept for longtime client Motel 6, including calling it “too Black.”

 

His comments spurred Motel 6 to fire the agency. Other clients, including Home Depot and the Salvation Army, followed suit. Motel 6 recently named Barkley as its agency of record, and Home Depot is in the middle of a review for a new creative shop.

 

A spokesperson for The Richards Group said the layoffs were implemented in November and December, “with employment for those affected continuing through the end of January, and with financial, emotional and outplacement support provided during the interim.

 

“Today is the last workday for those who stayed through the end of that period,” the spokesperson said.

 

In the months since, The Richards Group has taken a number of steps to move on from the controversy. It recently hired Do What Matters, a consultancy that helps agencies implement action-oriented DEI policies.

 

It’s also in the market for a chief culture and talent officer. According to the job posting, this person will be tasked with ensuring the agency is “a diverse and inclusive place where everyone has the opportunity for a great career experience.”