FCB Names Michael Aimette New York Co-Chief Creative Officer

Michael Aimette has joined FCB’s New York office as co-chief creative officer. He joins current co-CCO Gabriel Schmitt who was promoted to the role earlier this year. Together with Gabriel, he’ll work across the agency's entire portfolio, which includes overseeing new work for AB InBev, launches for GSK’s Centrum and Lincoln Financial, as well as new ideas for the FDA's teen anti-tobacco brand, The Real Cost – a partnership that has earned the agency their fourth Youth Marketing Effie award in the campaign’s seven-year history.

 

Aimette, who joined the agency at the start of 2020 in a consulting role, was key to the agency’s pitch track record – adding four new clients in the first half of the year. As co-CCOs, Michael and Gabriel will work closely to help further fuel the agency’s recent momentum. Commenting on his creative partnership with Gabriel, Michael said: “We share a core philosophy of creating an environment where people can make the best work of their career, every day.” 

 

Michael previously served as ECD at BBDO New York for nine years leading clients GE, Visa, Belvedere and American Family Insurance. During his tenure at BBDO, Michael partnered with FCB global CCO Susan Credle, as well as FCB New York president Emma Armstrong (while they were also at the agency), forging a strong relationship with the two that eventually paved his path to FCB.

 

“I’ve known Michael for several years and have seen his courageous and creative leadership in action. He’s that rare human – a great business partner to clients, talented creative, and beloved team leader. Now, more than ever, clients want access to senior leadership. Having Michael and Gabriel partner as co-CCOs enables us to grow while still staying deeply involved in the day-to-day business of helping our clients succeed,” said Emma.

 

“Ever since I first worked with Michael, I knew our partnership would be ongoing,” said Susan. “Michael shares FCB’s core belief that we must always look at clients’ problems through both a creative and business lens – that creativity is, and should continue to be, an economic multiplier. This belief is more important now than ever, and I know our agency will continue to flourish under Michael’s leadership.”

 

“FCB NY, for me, is the perfect blend of the familiar and the totally new, getting to partner again with both Emma and Susan,” said Michael. “The fact that FCB is growing at a time when so many others are retreating is such a clear indicator of the quality of the leadership in place and its positioning for the future. This is not only a place that’s packed with a ton of talent, but as you can see with all that’s going on in the world, there’s just as much kindness and empathy here. It’s truly a nice place to be. I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this team.”

 

Michael’s appointment continues to bolster FCB New York’s momentum in 2020, as the agency has added to its roster of clients with Mike’s Hard, Centrum, expanded duties for AB InBev and a spot on the IPG roster for Axe. The agency also brought on Yoonjung Crosby as Chief Talent Officer as well as Samira Ansari as ECD and created standout ideas for Michelob Ultra, 'Courtside', a virtual fan experience with fans in attendance like Shaq and Lil Wayne, and Burger King’s, ‘Stay Home of the Whopper’, saluting those who are staying home to save lives during COVID-19. Since the launch of Burger King’s ‘Whopper Detour’ – WARC’s World’s Most Awarded Campaign for Creativity in 2019 and this year’s recent Grand Effie winner – the agency has seen a 50% increase in headcount as a result of organic and new business growth.