Havas Chicago names Jamie McGarry as Chief Growth Officer

Proven growth driver and former EVP, Director of Business Development at DDB US, Jamie McGarry joins Havas Chicago’s leadership team to accelerate business momentum

Furthering its commitment to building iconic brands through craft and culture, Havas Chicago has named Jamie McGarry as Chief Growth Officer to help ignite a new phase of growth for the agency. McGarry will serve as a key member of Havas Chicago’s executive leadership team, contributing to the agency’s overall strategic vision, performance and growth.

McGarry brings a strong track record of winning new business and building and leading successful pitch teams, and has a deep understanding of client needs in an ever-changing consumer landscape.

As Chief Growth Officer, McGarry will be responsible for driving continued growth for Havas Chicago, Annex Chicago and Annex Experience, as well as partnering with other Havas agencies to drive integrated growth opportunities within the Havas Village model. She will lead a coordinated business development practice and will also oversee agency brand and communications.

McGarry joins Havas Chicago after leading business development at DDB US, where she was repeatedly promoted and increased her scope and responsibilities over the course of her six years there.

Most recently at DDB US, McGarry served as EVP, Director of Business Development, with responsibility for integrating new business efforts and driving growth across the agency’s US offices, including Chicago, New York and San Francisco.

“Adding Jamie as Chief Growth Officer is a huge win for Havas Chicago. She’s a proven leader with a passion for winning and enabling teams to do the best work of their careers, which is exactly the type of energy and momentum we’ve been building at Havas Chicago over the last year,” said Nikki Laughlin, President and Chief Client Officer, Havas Chicago.

“Even in the midst of a global pandemic and a shifting consumer landscape, 2020 has been very active on the new business front with a strong pipeline, and I’m confident Jamie will accelerate that growth.”

Throughout her career, McGarry has secured substantial wins, including the US Army, McDonald’s, Miller Lite, Blue Moon, Fiat Chrysler, Symantec, iShares by BlackRock, Kroger, Big Lots, Jiffy Lube and more.

Prior to DDB, McGarry served as Director of New Business Development at O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul and helped rapidly build the startup agency’s client roster by winning key national accounts. Previously, McGarry spent 10 years at FCB Chicago, where she rose through the ranks from Business Development Coordinator to VP, Director of New Business.

As part of the marketing community at large, McGarry serves as the Chair of the 4A’s National Large Agency New Business Committee and was recognised as a Working Mother of the Year by She Runs It in 2019.

McGarry’s appointment is the latest strategic move as Havas Chicago brings to life a new future and vision guided by an invigorated, innovative leadership team and a mission to build iconic brands through craft and culture.

In 2019, the agency appointed award-winning creative veteran John Norman as Chief Creative Officer, former Facebook executive and client-side marketer Nikki Laughlin as President and Chief Client Officer, and Allison Ciummei as Chief Talent Officer. The Havas Chicago Village executive leadership team also includes Lisa Evia, President of Havas Media, and Angelo Kritikos, Chief Financial Officer.

“I’m thrilled to join an agency with such a positive direction, a desire to challenge the status quo and proven results in helping clients build relevance for the modern era of marketing,” said McGarry.

“I’ve always been a big believer in the power of creativity and big ideas that are customer-centric, culture-leading and brought to life on modern platforms, which is Havas Chicago’s sweet spot. I look forward to building on the agency’s solid foundation, forging new relationships through Havas’s Vivendi network and driving business growth in partnership with the team.”

McGarry’s role will also focus on delivering solutions that create growth for Havas Chicago’s clients, which include AutoZone, Bel Brands, Citi, Cracker Barrel, Hefty, Michelin, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Moen, National Association of REALTORS, Pillsbury Baking and Reynolds Consumer Products.