Well, looks like the Adweek report from earlier this afternoon was true, though our sources stop short of confirming anything related to contract renewals, etc. But yes, we have received confirmation from those in the know that MDC/KBS+P chief innovation officer Faris Yakob is indeed leaving the agency. No timetable has been set for his departure, but Yakob’s duties will be absorbed by the management team. From what sources familiar with the matter tell us, Yakob’s departure marks a new phase at MDC/KBS+P, which now believes it’s everyone’s job at the agency to “drive the culture of innovation.”
During his time within the MDC/KBS+P fold, Yakob also founded its in-house creative technology boutique, Spies & Assassins. Prior to his most recent gig, the departing exec/regular speaker served as EVP, chief technology strategist at McCann and has worked at the likes of OMD and Naked during his career.