Richard Kirshenbaum

Richard Kirshenbaum

CEO, NSG/SWAT

Richard Kirshenbaum

Richard Kirshenbaum is one of the most exciting personalities in New York City advertising. Richard is an entrepreneur, as well as an author and has written a number of books, his latest debuting this summer based on his monthly column for the New York Observer. He has appeared on 20/20, hosted a series entitled “Creative Lunch” for Plum TV, appeared as himself in Morgan Spurlock’s movie “The Greatest Movie Ever Sold” and is currently working on a new TV series with Matador Entertainment and Meryl Poster. He is also a board member of Arts Connection.

In 1987, at age twenty-six, he cofounded the Kirshenbaum Bond + Partners agency, which pioneered such innovative concepts as the pop-up store, sidewalk advertising, and other forms of high-visibility guerrilla marketing. At the time of its sale, KBP was the largest independent ad agency in the United States, with one billion dollars in billing. In 2011 Kirshenbaum launched NSG/SWAT, a high-profile boutique branding agency that works with entrepreneurs and emerging companies. He is also cofounder, with music icon Chris Blackwell, of Blackwell Fine Jamaican Rum.

Kirshenbaum has lectured at Harvard Business School, has appeared on 20/20, was named to Crain’s New York Business’s “40 under Forty” list, was inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame in 2000, and placed second on a list of the top one hundred US entrepreneurs. He is the author of the business book Under the Radar; the relationship guide Closing the Deal, which has been translated into nine languages; the advertising memoir Madboy, an Amazon bestseller; and Isn’t That Rich?, a compilation of essays from his New York Observer column. Kirshenbaum is an accomplished playwright, and his work has been produced by David Mamet’s Atlantic Theater Company. He has also contributed to Us Weekly’s “Fashion Police” feature and has written comedy for the legendary Joan Rivers, among others.

Sessions

  • Thursday, May 07, 2015 5:00pm - 5:45pm

    Today’s Winning Brands: Modernizing for the 21st Century

    In years past, the Industrial Revolution and Information Age provided the springboards for economic development. Now networks and relationships are at the core of the current wave of progress. Relationships in business have always mattered. But in the digital era, their reach is amplified, their substance and structure are more visible, and their economic impact can be quantified like never before. As social media elevates the importance and impact of our connections, financial services firms are taking note – especially as they work to rebuild trust with members and clients. Come join us to learn how some of the world’s leading financial institutions and brands are realizing major returns by harnessing the power of social connections and digital engagement.