Lucky, a marketing agency, has announced that Scott Gelber is taking on the role of CEO. This is a significant leadership shift as the company aims to boost its growth in the Southeast region.
Gelber comes to Lucky after spending nearly 25 years at Merkley+Partners, a company based in New York, where he held the position of president most recently. His career spans numerous leadership roles in media, data, and technology, notably serving as Chief Digital Officer.
Since joining Merkley+Partners in 2018, he played a key role in doubling the size of the agency’s media clients, achieving impressive revenue growth in healthcare, and leading a substantial transformation to adopt a digital-first approach. His experience includes working with notable global brands such as Mercedes-Benz, AstraZeneca, Novartis, Pfizer, and others.
At Lucky, Gelber’s focus will be on expanding the agency’s creative, media, and analytical strengths while spearheading growth in areas that are open to innovation and new ideas.
With a blend of experience from larger agencies and Lucky’s nimble, entrepreneurial nature, he is set to significantly influence the agency’s direction, helping clients navigate challenging markets more effectively.
“Scott isn’t here to simply keep things as they are; he’s here to elevate our standards,” commented Tom Lackey, who chairs Lucky’s board of directors.
“Our industry is evolving rapidly, and we must ensure our partners and team keep pace. Scott’s track record of fostering innovative solutions and uniting teams for impactful results is precisely what’s needed now.”
Established in 1953, Lucky operates from offices in Birmingham and Atlanta, partnering with top brands in various sectors including healthcare, retail, and financial services. Their client list features Regions Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Alabama Tourism Authority, and several others.
“Lucky’s past is impressive, but the future holds even more promise,” Gelber expressed. “This agency is rooted in creativity and has an entrepreneurial spirit that is hard to find. My role is to energize that spirit: to accelerate our pace, expand our vision, and create work that truly benefits our clients.”