Global creative network Iris Worldwide, part of Cheil Worldwide, has appointed Eduardo Maruri as global creative chair, as it seeks to further enhance its creative reputation globally.
With career spanning more than 30 years and 160 Cannes Lions awards to his name, Ecuador-born Maruri co-founded Maruri Advertising with his father in 1991, subsequently leading the agency to pick up Ecuador’s first-ever Cannes Lion. In 2016, Maruri Advertising was sold to WPP and he was appointed president and CEO of Grey Latin America. In 2018, he became president and CEO of Grey Europe and vp of Grey Global Creative Board.
In 2023, Maruri was Ecuador’s presidential candidate after a snap election was called, and in 2008 was elected as a congressman. Earlier this year, together with his brother Fausto Maruri, he bought back Maruri Advertising from Grey/WPP and took the position of Global CEO and Creative Chair. He will continue to run the agency alongside his role with Iris, while looking for synergies for the two agencies to work together.
“Consistently winning world-class awards isn’t easy, so I can’t think of anyone better than Eduardo to help bring out the best in our creativity and bring real focus and energy to the process. Eduardo is a top-class person with an impressive track record. His global experience will positively influence and enhance our understanding and appreciation of diversity and cultural differences worldwide,” said Ian Millner, chair, Iris Worldwide in a statement.
In his new role at Iris, Maruri will work in close partnership with the network’s global leadership team to reshape the creative culture and act as a catalyst for award-winning work. The USA will be a priority market amongst Iris’ network of 14 offices worldwide.
He will have a particular focus on Iris’ creative product, implementing a process that both celebrates and identifies standout work, in order to bolster the network’s creative stature.
“Eduardo’s arrival marks an exciting new chapter for Iris. With his global insights, and ability to craft compelling narratives that embrace diverse perspectives, we’re poised to make even stronger connections with our audiences. I’m looking forward to working with Eduardo to drive innovation and elevate our creative impact across the Americas and beyond,” said Jill Smith, CEO, Americas, Iris Worldwide in a statement.
Maruri is tasked with integrating his expertise into new business pitches, attracting and retaining creative talent, setting ambitious goals for Iris at prestigious industry events such as Cannes Lions, and helping Iris to be recognized as a creative leader by 2025.
Maruri was president of the Cannes Lions Jury for Sustainable Developmental Goals Lions in 2021 and was a jury member twice prior to that.
He will also oversee the network’s global creative council, which meets biweekly across various global offices including Atlanta, London, Munich, and San Francisco.
“Iris is bursting with creativity and potential, and I can’t wait to dive in. I’m looking forward to working with the team to push creative boundaries, build the reputation, and deliver standout work. We’ve got big goals ahead, and I’m excited to help make Iris a top name in the creative world,” said Maruri in a statement.
Maruri’s hire follows the recent promotion of Global CMO Smith to the role of CEO, Americas.
