Al Kelly left, a co-creative director at TBWA\Chiat\Day LA, won’t be calling LA home anymore, the confirmed in an email. Kelly joined the shop in April of this year and as far as we know has not yet moved his family from Minnesota to California.
Kelly left an ECD position at Fallon to take the job, which opened up when TBWA\Chiat\Day elevated Rob Schwartz to CCO. Kelly was co-directing the creative department with Patrick O’Neill.
According to an agency representative, the company and Kelly have parted ways amicably. Word on the street it Kelly’s personality didn’t mesh with those of Clow and Schwartz. Some have called the agency a cult of personality, and Clow’s legend is certainly a force to be aligned with. Said Kelly “I wish them the best.” No word on what he’ll do next.