Here’s one we didn’t expect: FCB global CEO Carter Murray (below) is leaving in March to be replaced by a duo of North America CEO Tyler Turnbull and global CEO Susan Credle who also becomes global chair.
FCB is the second-largest creative network in Interpublic after McCann Worldgroup. Under Murray the agency, once the unhappily welded Draft/FCB, recharged the network, won a number of global accounts and network of the year at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity for work including its Chicago-based Boards of Change campaign.
IPG says Murray is departing to “to pursue his next challenge outside of IPG” although, doubtless, more will emerge. Usually these moves happen because someone has fallen out with someone. IPG CEO Philippe Krakowsky has been in post for less than a year.
Credle says the challenge now for FCB is: “How can we activate business in the moment while still building a brand long-term? That’s our sweet spot,” she says.
Sounds like performance marketing in the ascendancy once again.
The amiable and capable Murray would be quite a capture for one of the new-style networks if he decides to stay in advertising.
Carter did one hell of a job when he took over from the disaster Howard Draft had created. Wouldn’t be surprised at your hint that the new Interpublic CEO might have something to do with his departure. I expect he will be very quickly snatched up by any organization smart enough to realize what he can do for them. On the other hand, he could do what Miles young did when he went from Global CEO of Ogilvy to Warden of New College, Oxford. Not so much bullshit and lots of fine claret. Wherever he ends up he’ll do a hell of a good job.
Cheers?George