Havas Chicago Hires CCO From Leo Burnett

In a generational leadership shift, Havas hired a new chief creative for its Chicago office from Leo Burnett as a 30-year industry veteran steps aside. Myra Nussbaum is joining Havas Chicago as CCO after spending approximately a year as executive creative director for Leo Burnett. "Havas has an edge that the other holding companies don't have," Nussbaum told Adweek. "It's scrappier, braver and more in touch with creative culture. While most holding companies are trying to scale back to become more agile and collaborative, Havas is already there. Additionally, the symbiotic relationship of media, data and creativity is very appealing, having never seen it integrate seamlessly at other holding companies." Nussbaum succeeds John Norman as CCO, who is leaving the role to pursue other unspecified creative endeavors. An industry veteran of three decades, Norman has led creative for the office for the past two years, following stints as CCO for The Martin Agency, TBWA/Chiat/Day and Translation. His last day with Havas Chicago is May 14. Rounding out Havas Chicago's executive team Nussbaum will lead creative in the office alongside Havas Chicago president Nikki Laughlin and join a majority-female executive leadership team that includes the recent arrivals of chief strategy officer Lilia Arroyo Flores and chief client officer Maisha Pearson, while becoming the first female CCO within the Havas North America network. "I'm looking forward to shaping a creative culture in partnership with Nikki," Nussbaum said. "Havas has always been a champion of female executives, especially at the C-suite leadership level, and it’s exciting to see that confidence move into creative." Havas Creative North America Hires First Chief People Officer Prior to joining Leo Burnett, Nussbaum spent over three years as a group creative director for DDB Chicago, following over seven years with FCB Chicago. Over the course of her career, she worked on creative campaigns for clients including the Chicago Public Library, Clorox, Ford, KFC, Kmart, Mars Wrigley, Molson Coors, SC Johnson and Valspar. "Myra brings incredible big brand experience to this role—brands for which she has created some of the most inspiring work, which aligns beautifully with Havas' mission of creating a meaningful difference," Laughlin told Adweek. "In addition to being one of the most fearless creatives I've seen in the industry, focusing on the passion behind a creative idea, Myra always considers the brand and business goals when creating work that's driven by culture. It’s not just about speed and agility, but data’s role in the process." "She is known to be an incredible motivator and bring the best work out of others, she added. "We have so much incredible talent that I can’t wait for her to fully unlock and tap into." Nussbaum said she was particularly excited to work with Havas Chicago clients Moen and National Association of Realtors, citing the former brand's work around sustainability and the latter's advocacy for fair housing. Her description of her approach to the creative leadership echoed the team-building strengths cited by Laughlin. "My approach is to listen and learn—understand our clients’ business goals and get to know the creative team, as well as their passions and pain points," she said. "My goal is to bring the best out of my team through motivation and by leveraging each person’s strengths."

Leadership & Talent

Havas Chicago Hires CCO From Leo Burnett

Myra Nussbaum succeeds John Norman at the agency

Erik Oster

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Erik Oster