President and CEO of DDB Latina, Juan Carlos Ortiz is leaving the agency to pursue personal entrepreneurial business ventures.
Over 13 years ago, Ortiz brought together DDB’s Latin markets in the U.S., Latin America and Spain, forming the region known now as DDB Latina. Since that time, DDB Latina has helped grow the DDB network and win creative and effectiveness awards globally. In 2022, DDB Mexico won two Grand Prix awards at Cannes Lions.
“I have so much gratitude and respect to all the people at DDB who have contributed to an era of unforgettable success. My time with DDB is ending, yet a new beginning is starting. I thank each and every member of my team and those in the extended DDB and Omnicom family for sharing your talent and for your inspiring humanity. I have great pride in everything we have accomplished together,” said Ortiz in a statement.
Ortiz was also a key developer of DDB’s proprietary creative Bullseye system, which was rolled out to all global regions as a way for DDB’s top creative leaders to evaluate and improve the network’s top creative work prior to awards show submissions.
“Juan Carlos has been a passionate, enthusiastic leader within our DDB global network who deeply cares for his teams,” said Marty O’Halloran, chairman, DDB Worldwide in a statement. “His ability to inspire creativity and creative effectiveness has been broadly admired and his authentic energy will be missed. We thank him for his contributions over the last 15 years and wish him huge success as he pursues this next entrepreneurial chapter.”
DDB Worldwide is led by newly appointed global CEO Alex Lubar who succeeded now chairman O’Halloran. Leaders in the DDB Latina region will report into Lubar. DDB Latina consists of all agencies within Latin America, Spain, Mexico and Miami, with Miami being home to DDB Latina’s offices and almaDDB.