DALLAS (March 2, 2017) – Southwest Media Group, an award-winning media services agency, has promoted Eric Schaefer to president from chief digital officer. He is the only person to serve as SMG’s president besides founder Bob Nichol, who remains at the helm as CEO.
“Since joining Southwest Media Group in 2014, Eric has built and run our data-driven media group as well as our business insights group and has a proven track record connecting business results to our clients’ media investments,” said Nichol. “He is a true innovator, and with him leading the agency, I expect that we’ll continue our aggressive growth.”
Nichol says the agency has grown by 60 percent during Schaefer’s tenure, which began in 2014 when he was hired as the agency’s chief of digital strategy. In 2016, he was elevated to SMG’s chief digital officer.
As president of Southwest Media Group, Schaefer will focus on continuing to evolve the agency along with technology and shifting consumer media habits. He also aims to deliver to clients on data-supported business drivers across media strategy, planning and buying.
“Bob has built Southwest Media Group on a strong foundation of integrity and collaboration at all levels, and we will continue that mission going forward,” said Schaefer. “Our agency acumen of connecting brand advertising to identifiable business outcomes for our clients will remain front and center as we move forward together.”
Schaefer also will continue fostering Southwest Media Group’s outstanding agency culture, which has been recognized in The Dallas Morning News’ annual “Top 100 Places to Work” special section four of the last five years.
About Southwest Media Group
Southwest Media Group is a Dallas-based independent media services agency providing strategic planning, buying and digital marketing services to a growing list of clients across the country. The agency’s clients include a broad range of companies such as Fiesta Restaurant Group, Half Price Books, Dave & Buster’s, Dillard’s, Texas Health Resources, World Vision and W.M. Barr.