FCB Global Chief Strategy Officer Vita Harris, who first joined FCB in 1996, continues to make her impact felt by emphasizing data, diversity and technology across the network’s strategy efforts.

“When I first started in this industry, I asked myself the question, ‘What do I want to do while I’m here in this industry as a career?’” Harris said when she was promoted to her current role at FCB in 2021. “And the answer was, I want to be in a role where I can influence the culture of where I’m working.”

The Creativity Awards jury agreed Harris has done just that—and that her ability to provide leadership and “create a structure for strategic thinking” that influences the entire network’s strategy ended up being a key factor in their decision to name her Chief Strategy Officer of the Year.

Harris has been instrumental in creating resources that help the network and clients put diversity, equity and inclusion as well as culture at the forefront of conversations. One example is the network’s “Watch-Our-Words” model, which was rolled out globally last year and is meant to flag work before it gets to the market that could be damaging culturally or reinforce stereotypes.

Key clients that have utilized these resources include Walmart and Kimberly-Clark.

See all the 2023 Ad Age Creativity Awards winners.