McCann New York is undergoing a major restructuring, and it’s not just about the agency’s creative department. The changes are part of a broader effort to consolidate leadership under regional North America leadership and prioritize roles directly responsible for delivering creative and strategic work. This story was exclusively broken by Audrey Kemp.
The Leadership Shakeup
Chief creative officer Shayne Millington and head of growth Suresh Raj are departing the agency, with Millington leaving in mid-May and Raj at the end of April. This is a significant change, especially for Millington, who has been at McCann New York for over nine years and led the creative department for the past two.
The New Leadership
Britt Nolan, who joined McCann in January from Leo Burnett, will now oversee creative operations for North America, including the New York and Detroit offices. He will also join the agency’s executive leadership team and work alongside executive creative directors Leo Barbosa, Cuanan Cronwright, and Lance Parrish.
The Rationale
The memo frames the changes as part of an effort to simplify the agency’s structure and reduce layers of leadership. The goal is to put more emphasis on roles that create the work and help clients find their truth and tell it well.
The Business Challenges
The leadership shakeup comes amid ongoing business challenges for McCann, including high-profile client losses like Verizon and MGM Resorts. The agency is also preparing for the proposed merger between IPG and Omnicom, which could create the world’s largest advertising holding company and generate $750 million in annual cost savings.
The Future
So what’s next for McCann New York? The agency is looking to welcome Britt Nolan and Michelle Tang, who will oversee creative operations and growth, respectively. The agency is also looking to wish Shayne Millington and Suresh Raj all the best in their new chapters. This is a significant change, and it’s unclear how it will impact the agency’s future. But one thing is certain: McCann New York is undergoing a major transformation, and it’s going to be interesting to see how it all plays out.
