• by Richard Whitman , Columnist, February 18, 2015

Chicago-based Leo Burnett is closing its New York office after just 4 years. The agency had 15 staffers including CCO Jay Benjamin who left in April for Saatchi & Saatchi New York, ECD Michael Canning who left in July for 72and Sunny and Managing Director Tom Flanagan who left in January.

A statement from the agency reads: “Leo Burnett has decided to close Leo Burnett New York to focus on growth opportunities with Rokkan, Leo Burnett Business, Leo Burnett Chicago and the broader global network. Leo Burnett New York created some of the most awarded, unconventional and talked-about work in the industry during its five years on Park Avenue. The company is very proud and thankful for the creativity and innovation that Leo Burnett New York put out into the world.”

Not everyone can make it in New York. Even a giant, much-lauded Chicago-based agency that created some of the most memorable ad campaigns of all time.