Wendy Clark is leaving her position as president, sparkling brands and strategic marketing with Coca-Cola to become North American president and CEO of DDB Worldwide, effective as of January, relocating from Atlanta to DDB’s New York headquarters in the process. She will succeed Mark O’Brien, who will move on to the newly-created position of executive vice president at Omnicom Group. Coca-Cola has yet to name a successor for Clark’s position.
Clark has been with Coca-Cola for the past seven years, first arriving as senior vice president, integrated marketing communications & capabilities in 2008 and later taking on the role of senior vice president, sparkling brand center in 2013.
She went client-side in 2004 to become senior vice president, advertising for AT&T, where she helmed an ambitious rebranding effort. Prior to joining AT&T, she spent three years at GSD&M as senior vice president, director of client service.
“I’ve known Wendy since she was a client at AT&T and she is a game-changer,” said DDB Worldwide CEO Chuck Brymer. “She understands the demands facing corporate marketing and the role agencies play in engaging and winning customers. She is passionate about creativity and a magnet for talent. We are thrilled that she will be leading DDB in North America.”
“It’s been a privilege to add my fingerprints to the millions who have shaped the 129-year legacy of brand Coca-Cola,” added Clark. “In that same sense of legacy, I am now delighted to join the talented team at DDB, a brand that traces its own heritage back 66 years to one of the forefathers of advertising, Bill Bernbach. I am excited about the journey ahead and the impact we’ll create together.”