DDB North America has named Andrea Diquez chief executive officer of DDB Chicago, where she will help ignite growth for the region’s largest office. Diquez will report directly to North America CEO Justin Thomas-Copeland and oversee all aspects of the business for DDB’s largest North American office.
Venezuelan native Diquez has spent much of her 25-plus-year career in New York, most recently as CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi New York, working her way up from evp global director to president and then CEO. Under her leadership the office experienced significant transformation, growth and industry recognition that included numerous creative and effectiveness awards.
“Andrea is bringing an incredible set of skills and experience to DDB Chicago,” said Thomas-Copeland, in a statement. “She is landing at DDB during an incredible time for our agency, but also at an amazing time in her career. She will become our first Latina CEO in Chicago, an office with a history of explosive growth and creativity. These are characteristics which Andrea innately brings through her leadership style and outlook. She combines creativity and connected thinking to deliver the unexpected to clients and spark growth.”
Added Diquez in a statement: “I’m thrilled to join the incredible team at DDB. DDB is famous for its creativity and I’m excited to infuse that creative spirit into every part of the business. I am drawn to DDB’s new ambition that combines creativity and connection to drive relevance, unlock audiences and ultimately grow our clients’ business in unexpected ways. I believe this will be a winning combination to continue the growth of DDB Chicago, too.”
An ADCOLOR Champion award recipient, Diquez has championed diversity throughout her career, seeing it as critical in growing business.
“Andrea will put DDB on a new trajectory,” said Thomas-Copeland. “We are honored to have such a progressive, creatively minded and inspiring leader join our ranks. We look forward to Andrea sparking growth for our clients, their brands and also for our business.”