DDB Worldwide has hired Emma Montgomery as CEO of DDB Chicago. Montgomery will partner with CCO Rodrigo Jatene and report into global president and chief operating officer Alex Lubar in another series of leadership hires to further bolster DDB’s North America team.
Montgomery joins DDB Chicago from Leo Burnett Australia after over 20 years in the marketing and communications industry in leadership roles across Australia, in the U.S. and globally. Prior to her role at Leo Burnett, she was TBWA’s global co-chief strategy officer and Leo Burnett Chicago’s president and CSO.
“I am incredibly delighted to be joining Alex, Rodrigo and the DDB Chicago team at such a pivotal time for creativity and bold thinking. It’s both an honor and thrill to be contributing to the next chapter of this iconic agency’s history,” said Montgomery in a statement.
Montgomery has worked across media, creative and TV programming, leading strategy, analytics, experience design and content development. She has partnered with clients including Kellogg’s, Kraft, Aldi, Bank of America, Diageo and Molson Coors. Her work has been recognized at Cannes, D&AD, One Show and Clios.
In 2022, Montgomery earned the number 18 spot on the B&T Women in Media Power List.
“Emma brings a unique depth of experience, authenticity, strategic acumen and a strong passion for creativity, clients, and culture that is beyond inspiring,” said Lubar in a statement. “She’s a proven leader who creates impact, strengthens cultures and fuels client growth. It will be great to have her back in the Chicago market, this time in our camp.”
DDB Chicago is the highest performing agency creatively in North America for the DDB Worldwide network. The office garnered over 80 awards in 2023 across five campaigns so far—10 pencils at D&AD; 11 pencils at One Show, including the Best in Design; 17 cubes at Art Directors’ Club, including Best in Advertising, Best in Typography, and the Designism Cube; The Grandy and five golds at the Andy Awards; and 20 statuettes at the Clios, including 10 Golds.
“Having a partner like Emma will make us that much more fierce. She’s a genuine champion of creativity and culture and we are lucky to have her unique energy and talent,” said Jatene in a statement.
Montgomery joins DDB Chicago following new business wins earlier this year, including Orkin Pest Control, Reynold’s Consumer Products (Hefty and Reynold’s Wrap), Bimbo Bakery (ABO and Thomas’) and Oma Fertility Clinic. Montgomery will relocate from Australia to Chicago later this summer.