Horizon Media, one of the largest media agencies in the United States, is facing a discrimination lawsuit brought by two of its executives, according to a report from Business Insider published on . The lawsuit alleges discrepancies between the agency’s public commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and its internal practices.
The plaintiffs, Horizon Media’s former chief marketing and equity officer and a current communications PR lead, filed the suit on . Details of the specific allegations have not been fully disclosed in the provided search results, but the case raises questions about the authenticity of DEI initiatives within the advertising industry.
Horizon Media describes its core values as Independence, Intentionality, Inclusion, Integrity, and Innovation. The company states its purpose is to “humanize business, fostering human connections to become the preferred agency for those making a real difference,” according to information on its website. The lawsuit, however, directly challenges the ‘Inclusion’ aspect of this stated value system.
The timing of the lawsuit coincides with a period of significant leadership changes at Horizon Media. On , the agency announced the promotions of Gene Turner to President Global Chief Client Officer and David Campanelli to President, Global Investment. These appointments, according to a press release, were intended to drive integration of the agency’s offerings and improve business outcomes for clients. Bill Koenigsberg, founder and CEO of Horizon Media, stated at the time that the changes were designed to increase “speed, agility, integration, and precision” within the organization.
The leadership reshuffle reflects a broader industry trend towards data-driven, client-centric solutions. Turner, who previously built Horizon Next “from the ground up,” was tasked with overseeing client strategy across the agency, focusing on markets including New York, Los Angeles, and Canada. His previous role involved integrating data, product development, and analytics to create strategies aimed at client growth. The press release emphasized Horizon’s use of its “blu. Platform” to drive innovation and deliver impact for clients.
Horizon Media’s client base was not detailed in the provided search results, but the agency’s size – described as the largest in the U.S. And the largest independent globally – suggests a substantial portfolio of accounts. The lawsuit could potentially impact client relationships and the agency’s reputation, particularly among companies prioritizing DEI in their advertising spend.
The lawsuit arrives at a time when corporate DEI programs are facing increased scrutiny. While many companies have publicly committed to DEI initiatives, questions remain about the effectiveness and authenticity of these programs. The Horizon Media case could contribute to a broader conversation about accountability and transparency in DEI efforts across the advertising and marketing sectors.
Ahold Delhaize USA, a potential client or partner of Horizon Media, was mentioned in the search results, but no direct connection to the lawsuit was established. Ahold Delhaize USA’s website focuses on investor relations information.
Dollar General, another company mentioned in the search results, focuses on employee development and growth opportunities, including award-winning training programs, tuition reimbursement, and financial support. This information, however, is unrelated to the Horizon Media lawsuit.
The outcome of the lawsuit remains uncertain. However, the allegations raise serious concerns about the alignment between Horizon Media’s stated values and its internal practices. The case is likely to be closely watched by industry observers and could have broader implications for DEI accountability within the advertising industry. Further developments will be crucial in determining the extent of the impact on Horizon Media and its clients.
