Leo Burnett Chicago has hired Kate Jeffers as chief executive officer, effective May 15. Jeffers will oversee Leo Burnett’s flagship Chicago office and operations, and the agency’s brand partnerships including Bank of America, Beam Suntory, Kellogg’s, Molson Coors, Nintendo and Tillamook. She will relocate to Chicago, reporting to Publicis Groupe Creative U.S. CEO Susie Nam.
“I’ve long admired Leo Burnett for its bold creative ambition, driven by a longstanding belief that what helps people, helps business,” said Jeffers. “Few agencies have a 90-year track record of consistently innovating to build brands at mass scale, to activate audiences, and to impact culture. I’m honored and excited to work alongside Leo Burnett’s incredible team and clients to seize our existing momentum and amplify our advantages.”
Jeffers joins Leo Burnett after two decades at Venables Bell + Partners (VB+P), the independent creative agency best known for its work on brands including Audi, Chipotle, Intel, Reebok and REI. She most recently served as partner and president, overseeing the agency’s long-term vision and day-to-day operations, and working alongside its leadership to ensure inspired people, clients, and creative work. While at VB+P, Jeffers helped lead the agency to significant growth via new business and the diversification of its offering, with capabilities in experience design, integrated production, retail, and issue/advocacy marketing. She was also pivotal to the agency’s early adoption of AI, leading the launch of its AI consultancy, BRAIVE, as well as multiple equity investments in AI start-ups.
Previously, Jeffers spent time at Saatchi & Saatchi Los Angeles and Paris, TBWA\Chiat\Day and Goodby Silverstein & Partners, working across categories on significant brands and initiatives, including launching both the Apple iPod and Toyota Prius.
“Kate is a creative driven leader who exemplifies the values of a Burnetter,” said Britt Nolan, chief creative officer, Leo Burnett Chicago. “She is a natural fit to accelerate how we continue to put people first, lead in the market, and build around delivering inspired work and making an impact for our clients.”
