Headhunters will tell you that Aaron Starkman and Stephen Leps of Toronto-based Zig are the most sought-after creative team in the country.
But after turning down jobs around the world, Starkman is poised to accept an offer from Miami-based Crispin Porter Bogusky. Apparently the financial terms and title are still being negotiated, but the deal is close enough to reality that Zig has informed Molson -- Starkman's key client -- about the possibility of his departure.
Starkman and Leps, you will recall, became instant stars in the ad world two years ago when they won a gold Lion for their "Prison Visitor" spot for Unilever's Vim Cleanser with Bleach. The spot narrowly lost out on the 2004 Grand Prix.
Starkman declined to comment on the discussions with Crispin but Zig president Andy Macauley suggested there's about a 50 per cent chance Starkman will leave.
Because Zig and Crispin are both affiliated with Toronto-based MDC Partners, Macauley was kept in the loop throughout the discussions.
