DDB Chicago Fortifies Agency Momentum with Two Promotions

DDB Chicago announced today two promotions on the agency’s management team. Effective immediately, Jamie McGarry has been elevated to Senior Vice President, Director of Business Development, and Mark Hansen has been promoted to Chief Client Officer, Managing Director. In their respective roles, McGarry and Hansen will continue focusing on ways to drive growth and partnership for DDB Chicago.

As SVP, McGarry will continue spearheading new business and organic growth efforts for the agency, and still report to Paul Gunning, President and Chief Executive Officer of DDB Chicago. As Chief Client Officer, Managing Director, Hansen’s duties have expanded to include operational aspects of running DDB Chicago on a daily basis. He remains the head of DDB Chicago’s account management department and oversees the agency’s client relationships. 

Gunning commented, “Jamie and Mark were major catalysts behind our success in 2016, and they are dedicated to building on that momentum. Not only has Jamie transformed our new business track record, but she has been instrumental in shaping our business development practices. Similarly, Mark has evolved the way we work with clients and partners, grown our existing businesses, and he is leading the roll out of the FLEX model.” 

Immediately upon her arrival, McGarry ignited the agency’s growth and has driven consistent business results. In the past year, McGarry led DDB Chicago to win multiple new assignments, including LifeLock, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and State Farm’s brand repositioning. Most recently, McGarry played an integral role in designing the new agency and structure that led the new entity, “We Are UNLIIMITED,” to win the integrated assignment for McDonald’s in the U.S.

For the last four years, Hansen has led DDB Chicago’s 100+ person account management department. In partnership with the Chicago management team, Hansen ensures client teams are collaborating across disciplines to create integrated work that is driving business. He maintains the agency’s relationships with clients such as LifeLock, LaQuinta, Mars Wrigley Confectionery portfolio, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Hansen is also responsible for advancing DDB Chicago’s culture and talent. He focuses on employee development and leads the diversity and inclusion initiatives, including Better by Half, “Pride in Talent,” and Unconscious Bias training for all 250 DDB Chicago employees.