We just received a call from the folks at DDB who have let us know that Rick Carpenter, who has served as president/CEO at DDB Chicago for just about three years, is resigning. Not much of a reason given, but we’ve been told it was “just time.”
While the agency recruits a new leader, Mark O’Brien, who just took over as president of DDB’s North American operation, will serve as interim head of the Chicago office along with CCO Ewan Paterson, who joined the shop earlier this year. In a statement, Carpenter says:
“After much consideration, given my own career aspirations, I have decided to resign from DDB Chicago and begin the next phase of my career. I will stay on through the end of the year to help assure a smooth transition. I am extremely proud of my tenure and accomplishments at DDB in both LA and Chicago and I have been fortunate to work with so many wonderful people and extraordinary talents during my time at DDB.
AdvertisementI am currently weighing a couple of options. I love the agency world and in all likelihood will stay in the agency business, but considering the changes in our industry, I could just as easily apply my experience and skills to any number of companies that place a high value on creativity to build brand and build business.”