Leo Burnett Elevates Giles Hedger To Chief Strategy Officer Of Leo Burnett Worldwide

CHICAGO, Jan. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Leo Burnett Worldwide Chairman and CEO Tom Bernardin announced today that Giles Hedger, Group Managing Director and Chief Strategy Officer at Leo Burnett London, has been named Chief Strategy Officer for Leo Burnett Worldwide.

"At this critical time for our company and for our industry, I am energized by the opportunity to create such a critical new role for one of our own. Giles is a gifted strategist, a true leader and a rare talent. His work and his vision will help fuel not only our creativity but also our reputation for results and intellectual property," Bernardin said.

As CSO, Giles will join the company's global Executive Leadership Team and bring insights and leadership to both the global center and key markets around the world. In this role, he will lend his strategic thinking to Leo Burnett's key multinational clients and also to the long-term growth and vitality of the company.

Hedger added: "These are complex times for all agencies, and success requires pinpoint focus, both inwardly and in the way we approach brand building for our clients. When you look at the value we create at the core of our business, and when you consider the infinite distractions of applied creativity in the wider sense, it's hard not to conclude that we should re-commit to the things we do best."

Hedger will split his time between London and Chicago in the coming months, as Leo Burnett London works to find a suitable replacement. In July, Giles and his family will relocate to Chicago.

Following the transition, Hedger will focus on five key areas: Company Strategy, Network Influence, Thought Leadership, Authorship and Intellectual Property.

About Leo Burnett
With nearly 80 years of creating iconic campaigns, Leo Burnett Worldwide believes that creativity can change behavior. A HumanKind communications company, it operates with a simple and singular approach: put a brand's purpose at the center of communications to truly connect with people. Part of Publicis Groupe, Leo Burnett Worldwide is one of the world's largest agency networks with 98 offices and nearly 10,000 employees. In 2013, the global network was named "Most Awarded Network" by the International ANDY Awards and received "Network of the Year" nods from Dubai Lynx, AdFest, Kinsale Sharks, EPICA and the Cristal Awards. Leo Burnett works with some of the world's most valued brands including The Coca-Cola Company, Fiat, Kellogg's, McDonald's, Nintendo, P&G, Samsung and Tata among others. To learn more about Leo Burnett Worldwide visit our site, Facebook page and follow us via @leoburnett.

SOURCE Leo Burnett Worldwide