Susie Nam Joins Publicis Groupe as CEO of US Creative

Publicis Groupe announced today the appointment of Susie Nam as CEO of Publicis Creative US. In this role, Susie will apply her dynamic creative leadership to driving all operations and excellence for Publicis’ renowned agency brands, including Leo Burnett, Saatchi & Saatchi, Fallon, BBH, Team One, The Community and Turner Duckworth. In this role, Susie will report to Publicis Groupe chief strategy officer Carla Serrano.  

Most recently CEO of the Americas for Droga5, Susie is lauded for her adept ability to design agency systems and cultures that yield breakthrough ideas and best-in-class talent. With leadership roles spanning account management, chief operating officer and ultimately CEO, Susie was instrumental during her 14-year tenure with Droga5 in driving its growth and notoriety from a 35-employee team, to an industry-leading brand spanning the NYC flagship office and four global hubs. Susie 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 practised as an Urban Planner in England, before returning to the US and turning her talents to advertising at Fallon, before ultimately joining Droga5 in 2009.  

A Korean-American executive, Susie is also widely 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, the premier organisation celebrating and promoting professionals of colour in the creative industries. Susie is an Aspen Institute First Movers Fellow, was recognised among The Ad Club’s 2023 Innovators, and was recently honoured with the Impact Award by the Asian American Federation.  

“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 Susie. “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.” 

“Susie's last role focused on finding that bridge between creativity, data, technology and consultancy,” added Carla. “Her new position at Publicis allows her to fulfil this vision in practice, and tremendous opportunity lies ahead for our clients, our agency brands and our talent.”  

Susie replaces Andrew Swinand, who is leaving the organisation in the spring to pursue other opportunities. 

This appointment builds on a year of momentum for Publicis Groupe creative agency brands in the U.S., including: Ad Age A-list Standout Agency for Leo Burnett, Adweek Multicultural Agency of the Year for The Community and creating the countless business-driving ideas that have earned accolades spanning Cannes Lions, Effies, ADDY’s, Clio Awards, D&AD, The One Show and Webbys.