Publicis Communications announced an important leadership transition: The designation of Rich Stodart as CEO of Leo Burnett Worldwide. 52-year-old Stodart, current CEO of Leo Burnett North America, will succeed Tom Bernardin, who has been CEO since 2004. Bernardin will remain Chairman through June 2017.The company announced the change. “Leo Burnett is a leading force within Publicis Communications. We want to make sure that this brand and its unique culture are stronger than ever as we pursue our ultimate goal to be the indispensable creative partner to our clients. Maurice Lévy and I are both confident that Rich is the best person to incarnate Leo Burnett on this new journey and lead the teams to great successes for our clients and our agencies” declared Arthur Sadoun, CEO of Publicis Communications. Stoddart will report directly to Sadoun.This move has been planned for some time, stated Bernardin, since they have both worked together for years in preparing the change. “Rich is the obvious successor” he declared.
