Leo Burnett Chicago names Kate Jeffers as new CEO
By Ibidunni Banjoko
Leo Burnett Chicago has announced the appointment of Kate Jeffers as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective May 15th. In her new role, Jeffers will lead Leo Burnett’s flagship Chicago office and operations, overseeing the agency’s brand partnerships with notable clients such as Bank of America, Beam Suntory, Kellogg’s, Molson Coors, Nintendo, and Tillamook. She will relocate to Chicago and report to Susie Nam, CEO of Publicis Groupe Creative US.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the opportunity, Jeffers highlighted Leo Burnett’s rich history of creative ambition and its commitment to both helping people and driving business success. With nearly two decades of experience at Venables Bell + Partners (VB+P), where she served as partner and president, Jeffers brings a wealth of expertise in fostering agency growth, innovation, and impactful creative work.
During her tenure at VB+P, Jeffers played a pivotal role in driving significant growth through new business initiatives and diversifying the agency’s offering to include experience design, integrated production, retail, and issue/advocacy marketing. Notably, she spearheaded the agency’s early adoption of AI, leading the launch of its AI consultancy, BRAIVE, and overseeing investments in AI startups.
Jeffers’ previous experience at Saatchi & Saatchi Los Angeles and Paris, TBWA/Chiat/Day, and Goodby Silverstein & Partners has equipped her with a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of building brands across various categories. She played instrumental roles in launching iconic products like the Apple iPod and Toyota Prius, demonstrating her ability to drive impactful initiatives that resonate with consumers.
Britt Nolan, Chief Creative Officer at Leo Burnett Chicago, praised Jeffers as a natural fit for the agency, citing her creative leadership and commitment to putting people first. Susie Nam echoed this sentiment, highlighting Jeffers’ track record of fostering agency culture, inspiring creativity, and delivering results for clients.
Jeffers’ appointment signals Leo Burnett’s commitment to maintaining its position as a leader in the industry creatively, leveraging Jeffers’ expertise to drive continued growth, innovation, and impactful work for its clients. With her leadership, Leo Burnett Chicago is poised to embark on a new chapter of success and creative excellence.
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