No, Bob Scarpelli isn’t leaving DDB, but he will take a backseat in terms of the chief creative officer role of the network’s global operations to Amir Kassaei, who has served most recently as CCO/associate partner at DDB Germany.
Scarpelli will remain on as chairman of DDB Worldwide, but it’s Kassaei’s turn now to take the top creative mantle at the Omnicom-owned operation. In a statement, the latter says, “I am honored that Bob and [DDB CEO/president] Chuck [Brymer] have given me this opportunity to contribute to DDB’s growth and creative renown. DDB was, is and will always be the true innovator of our industry and I am very glad to have the chance to work with the best and most talented people on earth to prove that on every brand and every client we’re working for.”
In addition to Kassaei’s promotion, DDB has expanded its Creative Council structure, naming London ECD Jeremy Craigen to chair of DDB’s European Creative Council.