Joe Alexander’s Exit from The Martin Agency Followed Sexual Harassment Complaints

Joe Alexander, former Chief Creative Officer of The Martin Agency of Richmond, Virginia, left the company after several sexual harassment allegations, it has been revealed. 

AdAge commented that his departure last week “followed an internal investigation into an allegation of sexual harassment by the chief creative officer, according to people with knowledge of the matter”, while several “agency veterans” spoke to Adweek about Alexander’s behaviour at the agency.

Alexander’s departure marks the end of 26 years at the agency. He has held the role of CCO since 2012, working on award-winning work for clients such as Geico, Walmart, Warner Bros. and Oreo. 

He denies the claims and maintains that he chose to leave the agency. “The allegations you are reporting on are false. All of them,” he told Adweek. 

Ten women and one man spoke to Adweek about Alexander’s actions, most of whom chose to remain anonymous. A range of detailed sexual harassment claims were alleged in the Adweek report, with sources saying they had reported his behaviour to the agency as far back as the ‘90s. One woman who worked there in the ‘00s said he was nicknamed “HR Joe” by some staff there.

Three individuals who spoke to Adweek said that when they complained about Alexander’s conduct several years ago the agency told them to settle these issues with him directly.

In response to this specific claim, a Martin Agency representative suggested that: “everyone’s recollection from four years ago will be different,” and that this practice has never been their policy.

At least one employee’s complaint to the company was settled in 2013 for an undisclosed sum, the report confirmed.