Publicis Worldwide New York has promoted Carla Serrano to CEO, according to North America CEO Andrew Bruce. Serrano joined Publicis Worldwide North America in 2014 as chief strategy officer, and is a member of the Publicis Worldwide Comex leadership team.
Bruce commented, “The passion for what we make, the determination to work in lock-step with clients, and the collaborative spirit and willingness to jump in anywhere, at any time, are the hallmark’s of today’s most magnetic and effective leaders. All are attributes of abundance when describing Carla. Elevating Carla’s role will ensure greater access and influence, which will serve to accelerate our ambitions and fuel our on-going transformation.”
Serrano will report directly to Bruce, who has held the position, along with CEO North America, for the past two years. Bruce has been building a North America leadership team, and Serrano was the natural leader for New York. She will partner with Andy Bird, chief creative officer, New York, Dawn Winchester chief digital officer, North America, and Nathalie Fagnan chief operating officer, North America.
Throughout Serrano’s career, she has assumed a combination of strategic leadership and agency management roles. Before arriving at Publicis, she held positions such as CEO of Naked NA, CSO at TBWAChiatDay NY and president of Berlin Cameron and Partners. Serrano has worked with brands including Coca-Cola, Apple, Samsung, Cadillac, and Citibank, among others.
Serrano stated, “I am thrilled to be leading a transformative agency, in such a transformative time. Problem-solving and strategic planning will always be part of my DNA. As I look at our industry today, and at the types of challenges our clients face, I deeply believe that leadership founded on strategic skill-sets will be a great advantage.”
Oscar and Emmy-Winning Composer Kris Bowers Joins Barking Owl For Advertising, Branded Content
Music, audio post and sonic branding house Barking Owl has taken on exclusive representation of Oscar and Emmy-winning composer Kris Bowers for advertising and branded content.
Bowers’ recent film scores include The Wild Robot and Bob Marley: One Love, alongside acclaimed past works such as The Color Purple (2023), King Richard and Green Book. His contributions to television are equally impressive, with scores for hit series like Bridgerton, When They See Us, Dear White People, and his Daytime Emmy Award-winning score for The Snowy Day.
In addition to his work as a composer, Bowers is a visionary director. He recently took home the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject for his directorial work on The Last Repair Shop. The emotionally touching short film spotlights four of the people responsible for repairing the musical instruments used by students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The Last Repair Shop reflects the positive influence that musical instruments have on the youngsters who play them, and the adults in the LAUSD free repair service who keep them working and in tune.
Barking Owl CEO Kirkland Alexander Lynch said of Bowers, “His artistry, diversity of style and depth of storytelling bring an unparalleled edge to the work we create for global brands. His presence on our roster reflects our continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of sound and music in advertising.”
Johanna Cranitch, creative director, Barking Owl, added, “Kris first caught my attention when he released his record ‘Heroes + Misfits’ where he fused together his jazz sensibility with a deeply ingrained aptitude for melody, so beautifully.... Read More