Former BBH talent is now running Leo Burnett: Carly Avener joins as MD to work alongside CEO Charlie Rudd

Leo Burnett has appointed Carly Avener as managing director to work with her former Bartle Bogle Hegarty colleague, Charlie Rudd, who is CEO of the agency.

Avener, who will be in charge of the day-to-day running and operations at Leo Burnett, left BBH in April, at the same time as the agency made around 10 per cent of its staff redundant.

Publicis Groupe (which owns both agencies) obviously has faith in Avener’s skills, so after a summer off, she’s moved over to Leo Burnett and is working with former colleague Rudd – a leader who has always inspired loyalty.

Avener was at BBH for 13 year and was a managing partner for more than three years. She launched and ran the agency’s social media specialism and brand experience output, working with clients such as Next, Burberry, Mentos, Burger King and Samsung. Prior to BBH she worked at McCann Erickson on the Microsoft, American Airlines and Co-op accounts.

Charlie Rudd, CEO, Leo Burnett London and Fallon London, said: “I’m delighted Carly is joining us. From working together several years ago, I know she’s a proper superstar. Her recent experience will ensure we get to ever better work, faster.”

Carly Avener said: “It’s a really exciting time to be at Leo Burnett right now and I’ve seen the agency go from strength to strength. Their iconic work is famous across the UK and I can’t wait to get started.”

Leo Burnett’s leadership team is looking pretty strong now, with Chaka Sobhani still there as CCO, and Josh Bullmore as CSO. The agency just won Gulf Oil globally, and they picked up Betfair last year, but sitting alongside McDonald’s, these businesses — although they have healthy budgets — do not make for the most eco-friendly, sustainable, 2020-style line up of clients.