Marine Mover: Michael DeSantos to take the helm at Sass
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – After running his advertising agency for over 25 years, George Sass is turning over the day-to-day responsibilities to Michael DeSantos, the company’s director of Account Services, the agency reported in a recent statement.
DeSantos assumes the new role of vice president, general manager. Sass will serve as a consultant to the agency and will focus on working for a limited number of clients.
DeSantos already has experience in running the daily operations of the agency, as he was in charge of operations during Sass’ recent one-year working sabbatical, the agency reported. During that year, Sass took his family on a 7,500-mile voyage throughout Canada, the U.S. and the Bahamas aboard his boat, writing magazine articles and a book about his experiences. While he stayed connected to his company through satellite wireless technology, the agency’s day-to-day operation was managed by DeSantos.
“The agency is very well positioned for new growth and expansion,” said Sass, “and Mike has the leadership qualities, energy and ambition to take us to the next level.”
Reducing his involvement in the agency’s management will allow Sass the time to finish his book and to pursue his creative interests, which include writing for magazines, outdoor photography and cinematography. He will also concentrate on select creative projects for the agency’s clients as well as provide marketing consulting services to the marine industry, according to the agency.
Meanwhile, DeSantos will benefit from the continued support of the agency’s management.
“This team has worked well together for years, and I am confident we will continue to do so as we create the next generation of the Sass agency,” commented DeSantos.
Before joining Sass two years ago, DeSantos worked at the WB Doner agency in Baltimore as an account executive. He also gained valuable experience in the high-tech world, working for an Internet development agency and as a Web program manager for a national employment services company, according to the agency. He earned a Marketing and Business degree from Frostburg State University.
The 25-year old advertising and public relations agency will continue to trade under its corporate name of Sass & Associates, Inc. while Sass Communications, LLC will be the name of George Sass’s consultancy and creative services entity. The agency will maintain its headquarters in the Sass Building located on Forbes Street and Rowe Blvd., the gateway to Annapolis, Md. It represents a variety of clients in the high-tech, aviation and marine industries including ARINC, SIMRAD Electronics, Nordhavn Trawlers, Pearson Yachts, FTI Consulting, Celeste Industries, Mankiewicz Coatings and Zodiac.
