Y&R announced today that Yusuf Chuku has been appointed as the chief strategy officer of North America.
Chuku came from McCann New York as its executive vice president, head of planning. He had previously been Cheil New York’s chief strategy officer, McKinney New York’s head of strategic services and a global planning director at J Walter Thompson. The new officer has experience working in the UK as well, and had worked with clients including A&E Networks, Pepsi-Co, Verizon, Samsung, Microsoft Office and Kimberly Clark.
In his new role, Chuku has oversight over strategy for the agency’s North America client roster, including clients such as ANA, Bel Brands USA, Dell, Pepperidge Farm, and Xerox, as well as the Census and US Navy accounts.
Leslie Sims, Y&R’s chief creative officer of North America said of her new strategic partner: “Yusuf is brilliant. He has an exceptional strategic pedigree in driving client business growth. His strategic firepower will continue to amplify our creative, and his leadership will be instrumental in shaping the agency to meet clients’ changing challenges and priorities. It’s great to be welcoming him to our leadership team at a time of real momentum for the agency.”
Chuku added: “Coming to Y&R to lead strategy in North America was a compelling proposition. Y&R has always sat at the intersection of intelligence and creativity. Today that position, combined with a collaborative spirit, allows them to create work that transcends traditional marketing swim lanes. I’m truly excited to be a part of that.”
The appointment comes on the heels of key new business wins for Y&R, most recently Office Depot Office Max.