Havas Chicago has named Jamie McGarry as chief growth officer. She becomes part of the agency’s leadership team.
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 U.S. offices, including Chicago, New York and San Francisco.
Throughout her career, McGarry has secured substantial wins, including the U.S. Army, McDonald’s, Miller Lite, Blue Moon, Fiat Chrysler, Symantec, iShares by BlackRock, Kroger, Big Lots and Jiffy Lube.
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 recognized as a Working Mother of the Year by She Runs It in 2019.
McGarry’s appointment is the latest addition to the Havas Chicago leadership team. 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.
Havas Chicago’s clients include AutoZone, Bel Brands, Citi, Cracker Barrel, Hefty, Michelin, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Moen, National Association of REALTORS®, Pillsbury Baking and Reynolds Consumer Products.