Burrell Communications Group Acquired By FVLCRUM

By Cassir Dubios

McGhee Osse and Fay Ferguson, Co-CEOs of Burrell Communications Group, who have steered the agency toward enduring growth and success since their majority stake acquisition from founder Tom Burrell in 2004, have now announced a transition in ownership. Burrell, widely recognized as one of the most esteemed multicultural advertising agencies globally, is now under the ownership of an equity consortium led by FVLCRUM Funds (“FVLCRUM”) and Channing Johnson. FVLCRUM is a minority-owned private equity firm located in Rockville, MD, specializing in impact and growth investments, while Johnson, a seasoned corporate attorney in media and entertainment based in Los Angeles, assumes the role of Chairman.

Tara DeVeaux, formerly the CMO of Los Angeles-based Wild Card Creative Group and Managing Director of its creative content division, 3AM, has been appointed as the incoming CEO. Tara brings a multifaceted background in advertising, media, and entertainment, with her agency foundation developed at Y&R, SpikeDDB, and BBDO, where she rose to the position of CMO at the New York office.

Channing Johnson and Tara DeVeaux, Burrell Communications Group. PHOTO CREDIT: Dallas J. Logan

Osse stated, “We are truly excited for Burrell’s next chapter. It was pivotal to Fay and me to transition the company to a team that would be committed to investing in the agency, growing its capabilities and reach in the years ahead and maintaining the talent and culture that makes Burrell special.”

Ferguson added, “Having jointly led Burrell for nearly two decades, McGhee and I sought to ensure that the new ownership shared our vision, standard of values, and maintained Burrell’s Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) designation. We are also thrilled about their selection of Tara as CEO. We’ve gotten to know her throughout this process, and she has shown tremendous energy and enthusiasm coupled with a commitment to the agency’s future.”

DeVeaux expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I am excited and inspired by the opportunity to take on this role at what is a pivotal time in Burrell’s history. With multicultural consumers driving most general market trends, the line between general market and multicultural advertising has never been grayer. Understanding where these consumers are now helps brands to project where they need to be in the near future, and that’s always been Burrell’s strength. I plan to build upon that legacy through a concentrated focus on data to deliver fresh insights and renewed creativity across all platforms so we can continue to be a vital partner in growing our clients’ business.”

Johnson extended his gratitude to FVLCRUM for sharing his vision and outlined his primary objectives, emphasizing Burrell’s potential to become the foremost agency for brands that recognize the importance of authentic communication with the growing transcultural world and to become the preferred agency for new talent in the industry.

Chijioke Asomugha, Partner at FVLCRUM, commented, “Burrell is an iconic company that has helped tell the diverse stories of many respected brands for more than 50 years. FVLCRUM is eager to build upon the impactful legacy of Burrell through this significant equity investment.”