Leo Burnett Worldwide Executive Chairman and CCO to exit | Advertising Age

Publicis Groupe’s Leo Burnett Worldwide executive chairman and global chief creative officer Mark Tutssel is planning to retire at the end of June. 

He will work with Publicis Groupe CCO Nick Law and the Leo Burnett global creative council in the meantime to ensure a smooth transition and “determine what makes the most sense for the global network going forward” in terms of his potential replacement, a spokesperson for the agency told Ad Age.

“Mark is a legend and a close personal friend,” Law said in a statement. “The body of work that he has presided over is second to none. His impact on the industry and his leadership of one of the world’s great creative agencies cannot be overstated. It will be a privilege to spend the coming months with him making sure that we extend and build on his vision for Leo. I’m confident that the talent and tenacity of Leo Burnett’s creative leadership will continue to help grow our clients’ business.”

Tutssel, a 34-year veteran of Leo Burnett, has won more than 600 Cannes Lions including nine Grand Prix, three Titanium Lions and four Glass Lions plus the first D&AD White Pencil and six Clio Grand Prix, among other awards in his career.

He’s led the development of iconic campaigns such as the WWF’s “Earth Hour” efforts, Samsung’s VR promotional spot “Ostrich” and John West’s “Bear Fight.”

“Over the last 13 years, it has been a tremendous honor and responsibility to lead Leo Burnett Worldwide creatively,” Tutssel said in a statement. “The industry is experiencing unprecedented change, and it seems like the right moment to turn the page to the next chapter of my life. I will leave Leo Burnett with the greatest pride and love for its people and their commitment to the power of creativity. It has fueled me as well as many fortunate brands over the years, and I am grateful.”

Tutssel has been leading Leo Burnett’s creative vision since 2006 when he was named global chief creative officer. In 2018, he took on the additional title of worldwide executive chairman—a move that the agency said at the time made him the first creative leader of Leo Burnett since the legendary namesake founder himself.

“I want to thank Mark for his commitment to Leo Burnett’s people and creative excellence,” Publicis Groupe chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun added in a statement. “His passion and ambition in creativity is an inspiration to all of us in Publicis Groupe. We wish him all the best.”

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