Ogilvy Canada has named Christopher Andrews as CEO as Arthur Fleischmann steps down. Andrews joins Ogilvy from BBDO Canada, where he served as President and CEO, bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in the industry.
Under his leadership, BBDO Canada ranked among the top ten North American agencies at Cannes Lions 2023 and was named 2023 Agency of the Year at The One Show.
This comes as Arthur Fleischmann, current CEO of Ogilvy Canada and Country Manager of WPP Canada, announces that he will step away from both roles at the end of the year. Fleischmann has managed WPP’s operations in Canada since January 2021, in addition to his role as CEO of Ogilvy Canada.
Before WPP, he co-founded John St. Advertising in 2001, which joined the Ogilvy network in 2013. He will work closely with Andrews to ensure a seamless transition to the CEO role over the coming months. WPP will make an announcement about Fleischmann’s successor as Country Manager soon.
Andrews has over two decades of experience in the advertising industry, having held leadership positions at renowned agencies such as The&Partnership, Taxi, and Leo Burnett, across Canada, the U.S. and Europe. His strategic thinking, creative vision, and deep understanding of the Canadian market make him ideally suited to lead Ogilvy Canada into its next chapter.
Devika Bulchandani, Global CEO of Ogilvy, said, “With his extensive experience at top agencies and deep understanding of the Canadian market, Chris is uniquely positioned to build on Ogilvy’s commitment to creative excellence and delivering impactful work for our clients. We’re excited to welcome him to Ogilvy Canada as Arthur prepares to begin a new chapter. Arthur’s impact on Ogilvy, and the Canadian advertising landscape as a whole, is undeniable. He leaves behind an incredible legacy and will always remain a part of our Ogilvy family.”
Arthur Fleischmann said, “After many fulfilling years in this industry, I’m looking forward to this next chapter. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to work with such creative and dedicated people. Building john st. and then helping to lead Ogilvy Canada has been an amazing journey. I’m confident that the agency is in great hands with Chris and excited to see what the team accomplishes next.”
Chris Andrews said, “Ogilvy’s creative reputation is unmatched, as is the competitive advantage it’s been bringing to clients. We have the opportunity to bolster both within our work in Canada, a market that’s full of creative appetite and ambition, like the kind Ogilvy excels in delivering on with its scale and capabilities. I’m amazed by what Arthur has helped build here, and I am so grateful for his friendship and counsel as I step into the role of CEO and bring the best Ogilvy has to offer to clients alongside other agency leaders.”
