Amir Kassaei: Matt Eastwood will miss creative culture of DDB at JWT
The outgoing chief creative officer of DDB New York Matt Eastwood will miss the creative culture of DDB as he leaves the agency for a CCO role at JWT, according to Amir Kassaei.
Speaking to Mumbrella following his keynote presentation at Mumbrella360 on Influence Trumps Everything, global chief creative officer of DDB Worldwide Kassaei, said: “It’s great for Matt.
“It’s a big move and it’s a tough move. What he will miss is the specific culture that we have, the creative culture that is part of our foundation. He will have to build that around JWT but it’s a great challenge for him.
“I think it is one of the megabrands in our industry from the tradition and history and as everybody, they will have to really find themselves. It’s not an easy job but Matt is an ambitious guy so he will do a great job.”
“It’s a compliment for DDB, that we’re doing something right because WPP are going for our best people,” Kassaei laughed.
The agency is starting the search for Aussie Eastwood’s replacement, with Kassaei covering his role in the meantime.
“I’m trying to do it, let’s say it that way,” he joked.
“It will be fine, Matt starts his new role in July sometime and we’re already in the process of looking at people but the nice thing about DDB is we hae so many talented people in the network that it won’t be tough to find someone inside. We’ll look outside too.
“I’m not worried because if you look at the lineup of talent, of creative leaders we have around the world. You have to find someone who matches the challenge because the US market is very specific, DDB New York is very specific but I’m not worried. And until then I will run the office.”
Kassaei heard the news of Eastwood’s departure earlier this week once he had already flown to Australia.
Eastwood joined DDB New York in 2010 after four years as national creative director at DDB Australia.
In 2012 Kassaei became embroiled in a stoush with Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO of WPP, over vote rigging accusations at Cannes Lions, which he referenced today stating: “I became enemy number one of Martin Sorrell, but I take that as a compliment.”
Miranda Ward
Miranda Ward worked for Mumbrella from 2013 to 2017, eventually becoming deputy editor. Miranda joined Mumbrella in September 2013 from Sky News.
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