In a seismic move within the advertising sphere, Ari Weiss, the trailblazing chief creative officer at DDB Worldwide, is set to chart his own course by founding an independent agency next year. This announcement follows a remarkable seven-year tenure at the international agency giant.
Originally recruited from BBH’s New York office to serve as DDB’s North American chief creative officer, Weiss ascended to the coveted position of global chief creative officer in July 2019, solidifying his influence on a worldwide scale.
Prior to his tenure at the Omnicom-owned agency, Weiss wielded his creative prowess as the chief creative officer at BBH for six years. His journey in the industry also encompassed impactful contributions to agencies like 180LA, Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, and Wieden + Kennedy.
Reflecting on his departure, Weiss shared, “I embarked on this role seven years ago with a vision to propel creativity on a global scale. With an exceptional team, we've not only realized that vision but built a framework empowering local markets to embrace creativity as a driving force for success."
Under Weiss's stewardship, DDB Worldwide soared to unprecedented heights, amassing accolades such as consecutive Network of the Year titles at the D&AD Awards and claiming the prestigious Network of the Year accolade at the Cannes Lions in the most recent edition.
Alex Lubar, CEO of DDB Worldwide, expressed gratitude, saying, “Ari's creative brilliance has resonated globally, earning admiration from our clients and teams across the network. We extend our best wishes for his entrepreneurial endeavor."
Weiss's departure marks a pivotal moment, heralding the next chapter in his remarkable creative journey and setting the stage for an innovative venture into the world of independent agencies.