Google Hires R/GA Veteran Chloe Gottlieb as Director of User Experience

Longtime R/GA executive Chloe Gottlieb has accepted a top role in Google's design department, agency founder, chairman and CEO Bob Greenberg wrote in an all-staff email this morning. An agency spokesperson confirmed her departure but declined to comment. Gottlieb, along with representatives from Google's marketing department, had not yet responded to requests for comment at press time. "After more than 16 years (12 in her current run, and four in the one before) Chloe has decided to leave R/GA and join Google where she will become 'Director of User Experience’ overseeing the creation of tools like Google Docs, Slides, and Drive," wrote Greenberg in the email, which was acquired by Adweek. Greenberg then summarized the work Gottlieb has done during two stints and 16 total years with the IPG network, citing her achievements in building "one of the largest Experience Design teams at any agency" and creating award-winning projects for clients such as Nike and Equinox. "I think it is safe to say that we are all going to miss Chloe," he continued. "I think it is also safe to say that we couldn’t be more excited for her. Chloe has chosen to take her career in a new direction. She has disrupted herself—and that is the ultimate sign of a true R/GA’er." Gottlieb first joined R/GA in 2000 as senior UX designer working on accounts including Nike and IBM. After a stint at Razorfish, she returned in 2006 and continued to ascend within the organization; last May, she and Taras Wayner were promoted to share the role of CCO with Gottlieb also holding the evp title. In addition to her work with R/GA, Gottlieb has played a prominent role in the women's advocacy movement within the ad industry, speaking at the 3 Percent Conference and joining the Time's Up Advertising group. She has also served as a jury member at Cannes and other top awards shows. Her departure follows that of vice chairman and global CCO Nick Law, who became global CCO at Publicis Groupe earlier this month. Following Gottlieb's last day at R/GA in June, global chief design officer Richard Ting will take over as co-CCO while the agency determines whether to fill her position. Greenberg's note has been reprinted in full below. All: After more than 16 years (12 in her current run, and 4 in the one before) Chloe has decided to leave R/GA and join Google where she will become 'Director of User Experience’ overseeing the creation of tools like Google Docs, Slides, and Drive. During her time at R/GA, Chloe has built one of the largest Experience Design teams at any agency and together they have helped transform how people engage with brands through products and services. Chloe has always been passionate about creating groundbreaking work - NikeiD, Nike +, Equinox Connected Cycling, Alv.io. Her work speaks for itself. And it wins awards. Lots of awards. Cannes Grand Prix, Cannes Lions, One Show Golds, D&AD Pencils – the list goes on and on. Despite all of these achievements, I think Chloe’s most important design contribution to R/GA has been the culture she has helped to create. Chloe has always placed people at the center of everything she does. This people-first approach has resulted in people who are connected to their work and work that is connected to people. I think it is safe to say that we are all going to miss Chloe. I think it is also safe to say that we couldn’t be more excited for her. Chloe has chosen to take her career in a new direction. She has disrupted herself – and that is the ultimate sign of a true R/GA’er. Changes like this are a great opportunity to transform. And while we think about the direction we want to take in our search, Richard Ting, while continuing to serve in his role as Global Chief Design Officer, will step in and serve as interim co-CCO, U.S. with Taras Wayner. In Richard’s current role, he already works closely with creative leadership in the various U.S. offices and often participates in pitches, work reviews, and staffing decisions. His unique blend of Product and Service Innovation expertise coupled with his experience formerly running our Mobile and Social Platforms team make him the perfect candidate to serve as our interim co-CCO, U.S. Please join me in thanking Chloe for everything she has done for us and in wishing her the best of luck in her next adventure. Chloe’s last day at R/GA will be June 22nd. Chloe, you’re the best, Bob

Leadership & Talent

Google Hires R/GA Veteran Chloe Gottlieb as Director of User Experience

CEO Bob Greenberg made the announcement today

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