Publicis Groupe has named Susie Nam its CEO of Publicis Creative US, taking over from Andrew Swinand, who is departing the organization to pursue other opportunities.
Nam will take over creative leadership for Publicis’ agency brands, including Leo Burnett, Saatchi & Saatchi, Fallon, BBH, Team One, The Community and Turner Duckworth. In the role, Nam will report to Publicis Groupe chief strategy officer Carla Serrano.
“I’m looking forward to this next chapter—especially excited to be an advocate for the power and impact that creativity can and should have in this climate,” said Nam in a statement. “While there is incredible innovation and connectivity that sets rich circumstances for good work, the essential ingredient remains best in class creativity. I hope to help all the agencies and their leadership toward this ambition.”
Nam was most recently CEO of the Americas for Droga5, where she spent the last 14 years, rising from group account director to general manager, then COO and ultimately to the CEO role With leadership roles spanning account management, chief operating officer and ultimately CEO of the Americas for the last two years.
At Droga5, Nam drove growth for the agency. She began her career in publishing, as a journalist at George magazine, before serving as features editor for The New York Times’ very first online edition. She studied at the London School of Economics and practiced as an urban planner in England before returning to the U.S. and turning her talents to advertising at Fallon, before ultimately joining Droga5 in 2009.
Nam is known for her ongoing advocacy and leadership for diversity, equality and inclusion across communities. She currently serves as the chair of the Adcolor board of directors, an organization celebrating and promoting professionals of color in the creative industries. Nam is an Aspen Institute First Movers Fellow, was recognized among The Ad Club’s 2023 Innovators, and was recently honored with the Impact Award by the Asian American Federation.
“Susie’s last role focused on finding that bridge between creativity, data, technology and consultancy,” said Serrano in a statement. “Her new position at Publicis allows her to fulfill this vision in practice, and tremendous opportunity lies ahead for our clients, our agency brands and our talent.”
Swinand has not disclosed where he will be going next but will be with Publicis through Q1.