MullenLowe U.S. has hired Frank Cartagena as its new CEO. Cartagena, who comes to the agency from The Community, where he was chief creative officer in New York, will lead the agency of more than 400 people across offices in Boston, New York and Los Angeles.
Cartagena is the first former chief creative officer to hold the CEO title at MullenLowe, which the agency stated reinforces its commitment to ideas, creativity and craft.
“As CCO, Frank led multicultural agency The Community to earn top accolades and industry respect,” said Kristen Cavallo, CEO of MullenLowe Global in a statement. “His new business track record, creative chops and galvanizing leadership style make him an appealing choice for CEO and another important change for us as we modernize our leadership structure.”
Under Cartagena’s creative leadership, The Community produced this year’s most effective Super Bowl campaign for Netflix and GM. The agency was also named Adweek’s Multicultural Agency of the Year this year, as well as Fast Company’s No. 6 Most Innovative Company. Prior to The Community, Cartagena served as executive creative director at 360i, where he led a creative transformation and converted 90% of new business pitches. He led creative on campaigns including “Doomsday Vault” for Oreo, “The Maze” for HBO’s Westworld, and “Four Year Old’s Bucket List” for WaterisLife.
“More than a job title, this role is about seizing an opportunity to drive a culture of creativity that is much greater than just a department,” Cartagena said in a statement. “I’m ready to help shape and define the next chapter of MullenLowe for our people, our clients and the industry. I love the agency’s challenger DNA and new modern positioning.”
Cartagena’s hire is the latest of several leadership appointments, which also include Adcolor Beacon award winner Jordan Muse being named president of MullenLowe East, Javier Passerieu being promoted to president of MullenLowe West, and Kelly Fredrickson taking on the new role of chief culture officer.
“I’ve always admired Frank’s work, with a healthy dose of envy, so having him join our team is a big win,” Cavallo added.
MullenLowe recently completed a global rebrand, and landed new business wins, including the re-compete for the Department of Defense’s $454 million JAMRS contract, Geico social, global investment firm Invesco, and chocolate company Ghirardelli.