DDB

We are heartbroken by the loss of our former Global Chief Creative Officer and dear friend, Ari Weiss. Ari wasn’t just a creative leader—he was a force. He challenged us, inspired us, and made us all better. His vision, passion, and relentless pursuit of great work shaped DDB in ways that will be felt forever. From the moment he joined DDB North America in 2017 to becoming our Global CCO in 2019, Ari pushed boundaries, redefined what was possible, and made us believe we could achieve anything. And we did—under his creative leadership, DDB won Global Network of the Year at Cannes Lions in 2023 for the first time in our history. Keith Reinhard, Chairman Emeritus of DDB Worldwide, said it best: “Ari never failed to inspire. His passion for our industry, his groundbreaking work, and his bravery in the face of adversity were nothing short of extraordinary. Even in the toughest moments, with quiet resolve, he carried on—creating award-winning work, leading DDB creative teams across the globe, and playing pivotal roles in industry events.” But beyond the awards and the work, Ari was simply an incredible human.  Our hearts are with his wife and children, his friends, and everyone lucky enough to have known him. His impact is immeasurable, and his legacy will forever remain a part of the DDB story.

Michael Sotelo reveals the best market search analysts in the business: his kids. 💛 The most valuable tools in the industry aren’t always digital dashboards or KPIs, but the human connections that add depth to our work - the future consumers we’re all trying to impress.   From having an unfiltered focus group, to the insights of his resident Gen Z expert, learn how Alma's SVP, Digital Creative and Experience Strategy gleans some of the most impactful insights from his in-house “trend analysts” with this Adweek article!   Check it out: https://lnkd.in/dUjmhU8m  

Talented and nice—no one embodies it more than JUAN L. ISAZA!   We’re thrilled to announce that Juan, a multi-Grand Prix-winning strategist and champion of creativity, has been promoted to Global Strategy Partner at DDB Worldwide. 🌍✨   With a deep passion for emotional advantage in marketing, Juan is on a mission to prove how emotion drives business success. He’s already working across borders, leading DDB’s marketing effectiveness program, The Arrow, and expanding the Feels Barometer—a tool measuring the impact of emotional connections on market share.   Juan’s new role will also see him supporting North America’s team on new business, current clients, and global initiatives. Additionally, he will serve as the strategy lead for Grupo Bimbo, collaborating with DDB Chicago.   Tomas Gonsorcik, Global Chief Strategy Officer at DDB Worldwide, said, "We are thrilled to name Juan as Global Strategy Partner. He is a valued member of our global strategic planning community, and I look forward to his immeasurable contributions in driving the agency's global success."   Congratulations, Juan! 🎉    Read more in Addison Capper's coverage in LBBonline - Little Black Book: https://lnkd.in/duUiKPy4   #MarketingStrategy #EmotionalAdvantage #TalentedAndNice

We’re blushing 😊   At DDB, we’ve always believed that the best creative work doesn’t chase what’s new—it taps into what’s timeless. This piece in ADWEEK by Nick Federowicz is a welcome reminder that true insight, artistry, and emotional connection will always be the foundation of great advertising.   Read more about the enduring legacy of Volkswagen’s “Think Small” and why creativity rooted in human truth still wins: https://lnkd.in/dh9PQzti   #ThinkSmall #DDB

Super Bowl Ads: What Our Experts Really Think! 🏆 Catch the latest below from DDB Chicago's colin selikow and Jaime McGill as they break down their favorite Super Bowl spots! 💥 Colin Selikow, Chief Creative Officer dives into the good, the bold, and the invisible with ADWEEK, ranking ads by how well they stick to the format, take risks, or fall flat. Meanwhile, Jaime McGill, Head of Strategy, brings her advertising expertise to the On Strategy Showcase podcast, sharing her take on ads from the perspective of both the industry and the everyday consumer. Don't miss their insights - read and listen now! 📍 https://lnkd.in/ebYH_Pev 📍 https://lnkd.in/dx9EaS9P #DDBChicago #Adweek #SuperBowlLIX #Advertising

📢 This just in from Australia… Matt Pearce has been named Chief Strategy Officer of DDB Melbourne!   CEO Michael Napolitano calls him “the best creatively strategic mind I’ve ever worked with.” From shaping DDB’s unique ‘strategy as an outdoor sport’ approach to being integral in the creation of Smith St.—DDB and OMD’s best-of-Omnicom bespoke Coles agency—while building its strategic capability across brand and marketing strategy, media, digital, and CX, Matt’s impact is undeniable.   His promotion follows DDB Melbourne’s continued growth and role in driving global DDB initiatives, including the ‘Feels Barometer’ developed with TRA. Tomas Gonsorcik, Global Chief Strategy Officer, DDB Worldwide said, "Besides being the nicest and the smartest person in any room, Matt’s promotion to Chief Strategy Officer is a testament to his unwavering dedication, strategic brilliance, and profound impact on DDB Melbourne and DDB Worldwide. His instrumental role in shaping the Feels Barometer demonstrates his visionary approach to understanding emotions and their cultural nuances—an achievement that has elevated our ability to create award-winning, hugely effective work that moves people and markets."   Congrats, Pearcey! 🎉   #DDBMelbourne #CreativeStrategy #Leadership

Women drive over 80% of global purchasing decisions, so who better to define creative excellence? 💪   We’re so excited to have some of the most brilliant minds from the DDB network on the 2025 The Gerety Awards jury. Gerety 2025 includes more than 240 judges from 50 countries, and these leaders are shaping the future of advertising, setting the bar for work that resonates with the world’s most powerful consumers.   Jury President: ✨ Samantha Scaloni, ECD, DDB Italy Grand Jury: ✨ Ute Poprawe, Chairwoman, DDB Frankfurt, Germany ✨ Menaka Menon, President & Managing Partner, DDB Mudra Group, India ✨ Kristin Molinari Cohen, Global Head of Product, DDB Worldwide, USA Executive Jury: ✨ Min Roldan, Creative Director, DDB Philippines ✨ Becky Morriss, Creative Director, DDB Australia ✨ Dorottya Toth, Creative Director, DDB Budapest, Hungary ✨ Zuza Duchniewska Sobczak, CCO, DDB Warsaw, Poland ✨ Solange Romo, Head of Planning, Paradais DDB, Ecuador ✨ Milena Zindeluk, Creative Director, Africa, Brazil ✨ Clara Noguier, Creative Director, DDB Paris, France ✨ Jessica Taylor, Executive Content Director, adam&eveDDB, UK   Here’s to recognizing and celebrating work that makes a real impact, and to continuing to push the boundaries of creativity, one campaign at a time!   Check out the full jury here: https://lnkd.in/efE8jVHM   #Gerety2025 #Leadership #CreativeExcellence

“Advertisements mirrored our lives. They took inspiration from whatever life experiences we had in that generation.” 🎨 DDB Group Singapore’s Jeff Cheong joins a lineup of advertising legends to revisit the marketing trends, unforgettable jingles, and iconic ads that didn’t just sell products but became part of Singapore’s collective memory. From challenging stereotypes with Singapore Airlines to bringing warmth and nostalgia to McDonald’s and IKEA campaigns, these ads have woven themselves into the fabric of our lives, stirring hearts and leaving lasting impressions. 💫 Take a trip down memory lane with this heartfelt documentary from Channel News Asia. 🎥 Watch here: https://lnkd.in/dt6r-G4M

🏈 Who Will Break the 'Super Bowl Template'? It's officially Super Bowl Sunday! 👏 John Carstens, Chief Creative Officer, Team DDB has written a piece for shots diving into the ads we should be watching out for tonight. John expects to see some real rule-breakers that go against the grain of typical humor and celebrity cameos. He believes the power of contrast is key - ads that defy the usual tropes will truly stand out. 💥 Who will break through the clutter and surprise us with something bold and unpredictable? Who will be the ultimate ad rebels tonight? 👀 Read more on John's thoughts here: https://lnkd.in/evPcu3a2 #SuperBowlLIX #Advertising #DDB

🏈 Game day feels in full effect!    Our NYC office was buzzing earlier today as we hosted a packed panel discussion, breaking down the emotional triggers, strategic plays, and cultural cues behind this year’s Super Bowl ads.   A huge thank you to Ad Age’s Sabrina Sanchez for joining us and sharing your insights, and to our DDB panelists—Chaka Sobhani, Global President & Chief Creative Officer, Jorge Murillo, Co-Chief Creative Officer, Alma, Brynna Aylward, Chief Creative Officer, adam&eveDDB US, and Jaime McGill Head of Strategy, DDB Chicago—for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation.   What makes a great Super Bowl ad? According to our panelists, they must be: funny, simple, memorable, and entertaining. Let’s see which brands get it right this Sunday! 👀🏆    #SuperBowl #GameDayFeels #DDB