Direct Marketing Association names a new CEO

Lawrence Kimmel, new CEO of the Direct Marketing Association

The Direct Marketing Association has named Lawrence M. Kimmel as CEO. The trade association conducted a six-month search for a new leader after the resignation in January of John Greco Jr.

Kimmel, who begins his job Aug. 2, worked as chairman and CEO of Grey Direct Global Network, a digital marketing agency. In that job he supervised offices in 42 countries.

 “Larry brought Grey Direct record-breaking results virtually every year he led the firm, successfully serving many of the world’s leading companies,” says Steven Dapper, chairman of the association’s board.  “He will bring an extraordinary depth of global experience, a strong management capability, and powerful insights into the evolving and exhilarating direct and digital marketplaces.”

Greco resigned early this after five years with the association. Neither the group nor Greco gave a reason for his departure, though the association said the departure was Greco’s choice.