Las Vegas-based advertising agency marks 25 years with new owner, CEO

Las Vegas-based B&P Advertising is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a change in ownership and leadership. Industry veteran Fletcher Whitwell, who spent 20 years as a partner and executive at R&R Partners, has taken over the agency from its founding partners and will serve as president and CEO. Co-founder Chuck Johnston will remain as managing director.

The transition comes as R&R Partners joins forces with international agency MMGY Global, a move that helped create the opportunity for Whitwell to lead B&P. Three of B&P's founding partners were looking to reduce their involvement, and Whitwell said he has worked closely with the B&P team for two decades and is very familiar with the business.

Founded in 2001, B&P employs more than 20 people and represents clients in healthcare, education, real estate and hospitality, including UNLV, University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, Southwest Medical, Optum, Las Vegas Realtors, Circa and Circa Sports. Whitwell noted several clients have remained with the agency for more than two decades, which he said reflects the quality of its work and results.

Whitwell said his focus will center on technology, integrated marketing and a renewed commitment to Southern Nevada businesses. He plans to continue investments in technology and employee training while helping clients integrate paid advertising, public relations and their own content rather than treating each separately. He said B&P's local roots position it to serve businesses that might otherwise turn to larger national agencies.

Despite concerns about tourism slowdowns and economic uncertainty, Whitwell said he remains optimistic about Las Vegas' long-term prospects, pointing to the city's expansion into professional sports and healthcare as evidence of a more diversified economy. He previously worked at Chicago-based Leo Burnett and Starcom before joining R&R and has received multiple Cannes Lions and MediaPost Media Plan of the Year awards.

Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal