Ogilvy has made some big staff announces in recent weeks, but this is perhaps the biggest yet. After 15 years as creative director/partner at Goodby (and 20 years total at the agency), Steve Simpson is leaving to take on the role of chief creative officer, North America at O&M.
Called a “writer’s writer” by his now-former shop, Simpson had been just one of seven partners heading GS&P since 1995. Along the way, he’s worked on a wide array of accounts from HP and Emerald Nuts to the The New Yorker and the NBA. Prior to Goodby, Simpson spent six years at Hal Riney & Partners in San Francisco.
In a statement, Ogilvy worldwide creative director Tham Khai Meng says, “We are absolutely thrilled to have Steve Simpson on board. Steve is a giant in our industry and he will add enormously to our creative firepower in North America. As CCO, North America, he will play a pivotal role on global and regional clients, and will work closely with John and I to drive great work and pervasive creativity in the biggest market in our network. I cannot think of anyone better than Steve for this role.”
No official start date has been set, but we’ve been told that Simpson will assume his post at Ogilvy some time next month.
More: “Lars Bastholm Officially Takes CCO Post at O&M New York”