DigitasLBi elevates comms chief Jill Kelly to chief marketing officer, names Dave Marsey chief growth officer
DigitasLBi North America has announced that its global comms chief Jill Kelly will now take on the role of chief marketing officer.
Jill Kelly
Kenneth Parks, who has served as DigitasLBi North America’s chief marketing officer for the last three years, is leaving to “pursue his next chapter,” according to the agency.
While Kelly is taking on the title of chief marketing officer, where she will “lead the shape and form of the agency’s brand ‘voice’ to key audiences, outside of new business prospects and consultants,” DigitasLBi San Francisco’s EVP-managing director Dave Marsey is succeeding Parks as national new business lead in the newly-created role of chief growth officer.
Christian Birk, managing director of DigitasLBi in Denmark and Norway, will replace Marsey as EVP-managing director at the agency’s San Francisco office.
As chief marketing officer, Kelly will continue to be tasked with global communications responsibilities and will still be based in New York City. Before joining DigitasLBi five years ago, she served as EVP-global director of corporate communications at Starcom MediaVest Group.
Marsey, who joined DigitasLBi nearly 10 years ago and has held a number of senior roles at the agency since then, will report to North American CEO Tony Weisman and will be based in San Francisco.
As managing director of the agency’s San Francisco office, Marsey led a number of campaigns, including Taco Bell’s Cannes-Lion winning social media blackout.
“Dave has the ingenuity and creativity to help us win and grow – that’s why he has one of the best new business run rates within the global network,” said Weisman in a statement. “His proven talent as a skilled relationship and team builder has followed him throughout his nine-year journey at the agency. We are so very proud of his story.”
As managing director of Denmark and Norway, Birk worked on global strategy, technology and marketing efforts for many of the agency’s clients. Since joining DigitasLBi six years ago, he has worked with a number of international brands, including Ikea, Volvo and Carlsberg. As San Francisco’s managing director, he will be tasked with leading “all aspects of office life, business, and culture.”
“Christian and DigitasLBi San Francisco go hand-in-hand. Both hold visionary ideals and a proven record of determination to innovate and move us all forward,” continued Weisman. “He brings an international background to an office that creates internationally recognized work and results for our clients. We are thrilled that Christian is joining us and moving to the U.S. with his wife and daughter.”