Susan Credle "Advertising Woman of the Year"
Today, the Chicago Advertising Federation named Susan Credle, Chief Creative Officer of Leo Burnett the 2013 Advertising Woman of the Year. At a packed house at the Hilton Chicago, the advertising community gathered to honor Susan on her extraordinary accomplishment and her prolific career.
“Susan Credle represents the very best of what our industry in Chicago has to offer: dedication, passion, seemingly-endless energy, warmth, and a clear-eyed vision for the future,” said Pamela Narins, President, CAF. “It is my great pleasure to congratulate her and Leo Burnett on this outstanding honor.”
For the last 56 years, the Chicago Advertising Federation has committed to presenting this award to a woman who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and remarkable contributions to her organization – someone who has unquestionably raised the bar in the greater advertising community. The CAF Advertising Woman of the Year criteria is as follows:
- Significant contributions made to her company
- Significant contributions to the greater advertising community
- Individual accomplishments, both personal and professional
- Contributions to the development of others
“Susan’s creativity, passion and generous spirit have made us a better agency by leaps and bounds,” said Rich Stoddart, CEO, Leo Burnett North America. “Leo would be proud."
She came to Leo Burnett in the fall of 2009, after more than two decades at BBDO in which she rose from “bathroom-break girl” for the agency’s receptionists to EVP Executive Creative Director. There, Susan reinvented the iconic M&M’s characters; turned Cingular Wireless from a start-up into a leader brand; and created other consistently award-winning work for such clients as Bank of America, FedEx, Gillette, Lowe’s, PepsiCo, Pizza Hut and Visa.
Since joining Leo Burnett, Susan has spearheaded a creative renaissance at the agency through an eye for new top talent; a commitment to work that benefits brands and the world, and a vision for clients that always looks beyond a single campaign or ad.
Susan’s leadership, inspiration and in-the-trenches contributions have led to legacy-respecting yet forward-looking campaigns like McDonald’s Happy Meal “Happy Tales,” Kellogg’s Special K “What Will You Gain When You Lose?” Secret’s “Mean Stinks” anti-bullying campaign and, one of the most beloved and awarded platform ideas, Allstate’s “Mayhem.”
“Down-to-earth country gal. Sharp business instincts. Creative fireball and a whole lot of fun. [Susan's] the real deal. I’m proud to call her my partner and my friend,” said Lisa Cochrane, SVP Marketing, Allstate Insurance Company. “Allstate is lucky to be in Susan’s good hands.”
