Doubts have been expressed about the future of Havas-owned Arnold Worldwide following the departure of CEO Andrew Benett and Havas’ move to a more integrated structure built around so-called “villages” (including here) but the agency seems keen to invest, hiring former DDB, Wieden+Kennedy and Goodby Silverstein alumnus Icaro Doria (below) as its new CCO. Doria will be based in Arnold’s Boston HQ but also be in charge of New York.
Arnold global CEO Pam Hamlin says: “With outstanding creative credentials and a unique ability to inspire those around him, Icaro is a critical addition to the Arnold Worldwide leadership team. With a proven track record of delivering impactful campaigns, reinvigorating company culture and managing and growing international agencies, he is a true creator and will be an immediate asset to Arnold and our clients.”
Havas Creative US chairman and CCO Jason Peterson says: “Icaro represents the new age of Arnold as a modern creative agency. We are hiring great people first, combined with optimism and talent. For anyone who has spent time with Icaro, they will know that he perfectly embodies these qualities and will help inspire this in our creative team. His appointment is critical to driving forward our agenda of moving from creatives to creators in every media channel.”
Doria, who helped to build Wieden+Kennedy’s Sao Paulo office from two to 200 people on the back of big assignments from Coca-Cola among others, says: “Arnold’s commitment to its clients, culture and creativity immediately drew me in. Arnold has created some of the world’s most iconic brands, so I’m excited to see how we can now build on this legacy with this new chapter. I am proud to join an agency that thinks differently and maintains a constant desire to learn and innovate.”
