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CLIO, the esteemed international advertising, design and communications competition, today announced the promotion of Nicole Purcell to president, marking the first time in a decade the role has been appointed. Having led the rapidly expanding business and team for the previous four years, Purcell will continue to build CLIO’s worldwide presence and programs.

Purcell began her tenure in the role of executive director and made it her mission to expand the brand’s reach and offerings. From the original two programs, CLIO Awards and CLIO Healthcare, the programming lineup now includes CLIO Image, CLIO Sport, CLIO Music and The Key Art Awards.

“Early on in my CLIO career, I had a vision for what this brand could be – creative, innovative, inspirational – a true mirror of the creative we applaud,” said Nicole Purcell, president, CLIO. “Moving into this new chapter with a renewed energy, my top priority is continuing to build our great brand presence. The creative work we represent is in many ways the core of pop culture, and it’s important for CLIO to be a part of that conversation.”

Currently, CLIO is gearing up for the “Creative Bowl,” a recently announced initiative to name the top ad in 2015’s Big Game. Working with Rob Reilly,global creative chairman at McCann Worldgroup, and an expert jury of peers, the winning creative will be announced at 4pm on Monday, February 2. The following day Purcell will present the winning agency with the Super CLIO. Coverage will appear on all CLIO social channels and clios.com.

"Nicole has taken her love for ideas, advertising, art and design and turned it into one of the most formidable and comprehensive creative franchises, dedicated to celebrating the people who make the world's coolest stuff,” said Rob Schwartz, CEO, TBWA/Chiat/Day New York.

Purcell’s work at CLIO has been informed by a long history of event marketing and production. Prior to her current role, Purcell co-owned Rock Media and Entertainment, and grew fashion weeks in Los Angeles and Miami. For many years, Purcell was also under the wing of Richard Tarzian, owner of The Passion Group, formerly ICC. In that experience, Purcell was able to build a foundation and learn firsthand how to run a business.

“The last year marked a big step in the evolution of CLIO, with new extensions and an increased international presence,” said Jeffrey Wilbur, president, Mediabistro Holdings. “The growth and results are directly related to Nicole’s passion for this brand and industry. We know 2015 is going to be a landmark year with Nicole at the helm.”

Major milestones for 2015 include CLIO Healthcare (entries open March 16), CLIO Image (May 5), CLIO Sport (July 8), CLIO Awards and CLIO Music (September 30), and The Key Art Awards (October). For more information, visit clioawards.com.

About The CLIO Awards
The CLIOs is the esteemed international awards competition for the creative business. Founded in 1959 to celebrate high achievement in advertising, the CLIOs annually and throughout the year recognizes the work, the agencies and the talent -- across advertising, sports, fashion, music, entertainment, and health care -- that, in a variety of categories and as judged by industry peers, push boundaries and establish new precedent.