DDB Chicago names Emma Montgomery CEO as she departs Leo Burnett

Emma Montgomery is coming back to Omnicom as CEO of DDB Chicago. The agency executive will depart Publicis Groupe, where she had recently served as CEO of Leo Burnett Australia. The move marks not only a return to Omnicom but a return to the Windy City for Montgomery. She had served as Leo Burnett Chicago president and chief strategy officer before departing for TBWA in 2020 for a role as co-chief strategy officer for the Omnicom-owned agency network, based in TBWA’s Los Angeles office. She joined Leo Burnett Australia in early 2021. “We are super fortunate to add another dynamic leader to our DDB Chicago team,” DDB Global President and Chief Operating Officer Alex Lubar said in a statement. “Emma brings a unique depth of experience, authenticity, strategic acumen, and a strong passion for creativity, clients, and culture that is beyond inspiring.” Leo Burnett declined to comment. “I am incredibly delighted to be joining Alex, [DDB Chief Creative Officer Rodrigo Jatene] and the DDB Chicago team at such a pivotal time for creativity and bold thinking,” said Montgomery. “It’s both an honor and thrill to be contributing to the next chapter of this iconic agency's history.” Montgomery’s hiring comes about seven months after Andrea Diquez departed as CEO of DDB Chicago for Gut to become the independent agency’s first first-ever global CEO. Other recent executive changes at DDB include the departure of DDB North America CEO Justin Thomas-Copeland. Earlier today the agency announced the merger of Adam&EveNYC and DDB New York, forming a new agency operating under the Adam&EveDDB name.

DDB Chicago names Emma Montgomery CEO as she departs Leo Burnett

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