GLOBAL – NOVEMBER 10, 2011: DDB Worldwide Chairman Bob Scarpelli has announced he will retire at the end of 2011. In his nearly 35 years at DDB, Scarpelli helped shape the network into an industry force by championing Social Creativity. He will continue to consult for DDB.
He began his DDB career in 1977, as a copywriter for Needham Harper & Steers in Chicago, which merged with DDB in 1986. He was promoted to creative director and later, chief creative officer and vice chairman for the agency.
He was named DDB US chief creative officer in 2000, and additionally Chairman of DDB Chicago in 2001. He was elevated to worldwide chief creative officer in 2004 and took on the post of chairman in 2006.
DDB CEO and President Chuck Brymer said, "Bob has personified DDB’s values of Creativity and Humanity. His passionate work for leading brands and the nurturing of our creative talent has helped differentiate and grow DDB."
Scarpelli, who relocated back to Chicago from New York earlier this year, noted, "I have had a magical career at DDB. I’ve been fortunate to work with some amazingly smart and talented people over the years, both at the agency and at our clients. But now it’s time for me to step back, pay full attention to my family and my health, and enjoy whatever surprises life has in store for me."
