Ogilvy UK Hires Jo Arden as Chief Strategy Officer

Ogilvy UK announced today that they were appointing Jo Arden as chief strategy officer. One of the industry’s most renowned planners Jo brings an award-winning strategic approach coupled with deep consumer behavioural expertise. Jo will oversee Ogilvy’s strategic team, 97 experts across all five areas of the business – Advertising, Brand and Content, Experience, PR, Growth and Innovation and Health.

Jo brings with her a blend of skills honed from both network and creative agencies – most recently Publicis•Poke and MullenLowe - and a wide experience of clients including Morrisons, BUPA, British Heart Foundation, the Co-Operative Bank and NHS. In addition to her unparalleled client experience, Jo is recognised as a key driver of change across the industry through her work as chair of NABS Fast Forward, providing emerging talent with practical tools and experience to help them succeed. She is a Fellow of both the RSA and the IPA, on which she also sits on the Effectiveness Leadership Group. Jo is also a columnist for Campaign, a passionate advocate for diversity in agencies and a champion of flexible working. She has been consistently listed as one of the top planners in the UK by the industry trade press.

Jo will partner Fiona Gordon, Dede Laurentino and Jules Chalkley along with the leaders of Ogilvy’s five businesses to continue the growth momentum that has been achieved in the last few months since Gordon took over as CEO – wins such as Sainsbury’s and Cadbury’s PR.

“Jo is a planning star – she is sharp, ambitious but has huge warmth and integrity. Her passion to grow client’s brands and help them make impact is second to none. I could not be more delighted that she is joining us as chief strategy officer.” Fiona Gordon, chief executive officer.

“My ambition for Ogilvy is simple. Help people do great thinking that drives great work and that helps clients fulfil their ambitions. I believe our craft has the potential to truly change people’s behaviour – and nowhere is that so true as at Ogilvy. I’m so excited to build on the incredible heritage of the business and help create truly modern, relevant and effective communications for such terrific clients.” Jo Arden, chief strategy officer, Ogilvy UK.