Layoffs possible with Hy Connect’s loss of Advocate

HY Connect Chicago CEO/president Ron Bess

HY Connect Chicago lost its 14-year year big account, the 11-hospital network Advocate Health Care, which employs more than 35,000, including 6,300 doctors and 11,000 nurses.

The loss of the Advocate business comes just four months after ad veteran Ron Bess had joined Hy Connect as president/CEO. The loss, he told Chicago Business Journal, “likely will precipitate some layoffs.”

He also said it’s too early to know how many staffers are likely to be cut because of other developments for the agency expected early next year.

“We’re going to announce a new account and the acquisition of two digital shops to bolster our capabilities in that department,” Bess noted.

Bess said he did not believe the Advocate account’s departure was related to his arrival as agency leader, the Business Journal reported.