It looks like Canice Neary has left Element 79 almost just as quietly as he took over the creative reins last year at the Chicago-based agency. While Neary is still listed on the Element 79 management page, spies say his 11-year run at the agency ended as of last Friday. According to his LinkedIn, Neary appears to be quite the Mad Men fan as he’s now listed as a “free agent” and “special assistant to Peggy Olsen” at Cutler Gleason and Chaough.
Anyhow, Neary stepped up to the top creative role at Element 79 soon after Dennis Ryan left to take the CCO job at Olson. During his decade-plus stint at the agency, Neary led creative on accounts including Supercuts. Prior to Element, the creative had media and creative stints at the likes of DDB, Lowe & Partners and W+K. We’re trying to get official confirmation from the E79 camp about Neary’s departure. We’ll keep you posted. Update: It’s confirmed.