BBDO North America has named Jen Neal CMO as of June 1. She will replace Mark Goldstein, who will retain his role as vice chairman of the agency.
Neal has worked as an independent consultant since leaving Omnicom media shop PHD, where she was managing partner, late last year. She worked with BBDO on new business pitches in that role, and won combined advertising and media accounts for Hyatt Hotels and New Balance.
Neal will report to David Lubars, chairman and CEO of BBDO North America, and Troy Ruhanen, deputy chairman of the agency. She will also work closely with John Osborn, president and CEO of BBDO New York.
The size of Neal’s team will not be determined until she takes on the role, she said. Her responsibilities will balance internal and external growth, Neal explained.
“One responsibility is about getting the word out on the work we’re doing,” she said. “I see growth coming many ways. There’s a big focus on new business and wins, but another area is looking at current clients and spotting opportunities to provide them with additional solutions. I’ll also be looking at all of the services in the agency and expanding those as needed.”
Neal declined to specify what capabilities the agency could expand, citing a need to become immersed in the company first.
Neal’s appointment comes after other senior hires at the agency. On March 1, Mathias Appelblad, Toygar Bazarkaya and Ralph Watson joined BBDO NY as executive creative directors, with Appelblad also taking on the role of director of innovation. Ronald Ng joined the agency in December as EVP and executive creative director.
