Leo's Top Planner Looks for 'Leadership Role'

As Leo Burnett’s new director of planning, Rick Houghton-Larsen wants to increase the discipline’s influence.

“Planning has to be out front and take a leadership role,” he said. “What I want is to continue to build strong relationships with creatives, build brand expertise and bring it together with a holistic sense of planning.”

Larsen said it was too early to predict whether he would implement any sweeping changes in the 60-person department.

“What I’m going to do is continue upping our game,” he said.