Dentsu Creative has named Pedro Pérez chief creative officer of its Chicago office. Pérez will report to global chief creative officer of Dentsu International, Fred Levron.
The appointment of Pérez marks the first U.S. hire since Dentsu Creative officially launched during this year’s Cannes International Festival of Creativity. Dentsu Creative is the sole creative network for Dentsu International, designed to transform brands and businesses through the power of modern creativity.
Pérez’s role is a new one at the agency and it marks the expansion of Dentsu Creative’s leadership team. His remit will include both a focus on U.S. and global creativity.
Pérez brings over two decades of expertise in creativity, collaboration, leadership and strategy. In his new role, he will oversee regional operations for the Chicago-based team—and contribute to the strategic execution of the network’s global creative initiatives.
“As we continue our evolution into Dentsu Creative, it is important to onboard leaders who share our vision for building brands and businesses through the power of creativity in every creative format—Pedro is that leader,” said Levron in a statement. “His creative vision is playful, driven by his limitless curiosity—and inspired by the varied ways we live our lives and engage with brands and products around the world. I am excited to see how he will lead this next generation of creative leaders.”
Pérez joins Dentsu Creative from Energy BBDO, where he served as chief creative officer for over three years. He was behind Extra Gum’s “For When It’s Time” campaign that celebrated the world opening back up post-pandemic. Most recently, he took home a gold and silver Lion for Guns Down America and Champion Soprtswear, respectively, at Cannes this year. Pérez has received numerous more accolades throughout his tenure, including Adweek’s Creative 100, Cannes Lions, D&AD, One Show, Clio and many more. Pérez joined Energy BBDO in 2014 as senior vice president and creative director—and was subsequently appointed executive creative director in 2017. Prior to Energy BBDO, Pérez served as creative director for Badillo Saatchi & Saatchi.
“From my first conversation with Fred, I could feel his passion for creating an agency network designed for the future, that addresses client’s need for simplicity through the power of modern creativity. As I met with more of the Dentsu Creative talent, I couldn’t turn away from a team and an endeavor that empowers me to challenge cultural norms, enact societal change and drive commerce, an important engine in the economy,” said Pérez in a statement.
“Pedro’s energy was evident from the second I met him—and how he approaches the work with such wonderment [was] intensely captivating,” added west region president Laurel Flatt in a statement. “We’ve kickstarted something really special here in Chicago and I know Pedro is going to bring his magic to that momentum.”