Rich Stoddard to succeed Tom Bernardin as Leo Burnett CEO
Publicis Groupe has announced that Rich Stoddard will replace incumbent Tom Bernardin as chief executive of Leo Burnett Worldwide following the latter’s appointment as chairman of the American advertising giant.
Assuming his new role on 1 February Stoddard will continue his current role as CEO of Leo Burnett North America in tandem with his latest appointment.
Bernardin remarked: “Rich Stoddart is an incredibly talented business leader, a tremendous champion for creativity and talent and my obvious successor. I’m very proud after 11 years, to have been the longest serving chairman and CEO of Leo Burnett Worldwide since Leo Burnett the man.”
Bernardin was previously rumoured to be quitting Leo Burnett back in 2014 but will remain in place as chairman until June 2017.