• by Larissa Faw , May 2, 2019

Leo Burnett Worldwide Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer Mark Tutssel is retiring at the end of June. The industry legend will work alongside Nick Law, Chief Creative Officer of Publicis Groupe, and the Leo Burnett Global Creative Council to ensure a smooth transition. By all accounts this is a mutual decision, if not entirely driven by Tutssel's desire to transition to different adventures. 

"The industry is experiencing unprecedented change, and it seems like the right moment to turn the page to the next chapter of my life," says Tutssel. "I will leave Leo Burnett with the greatest pride and love for its people and their commitment to the power of creativity."

Over his three-decade plus career, Tutssel won over 600 Cannes Lions, including nine Cannes Grand Prix, three Titanium Lions, four Glass Lions, the first ever D&AD White Pencil, two D&AD Black Pencils, and numerous others.  He is also one of the only creative directors in the world to serve as a Cannes Lions Jury President five times.

It is unclear at this time whether parent network Publicis Groupe will announce a replacement or eliminate the position. For now, Tutssel will "work closely" with Law and the Groupe to determine what makes the most sense for the global network going forward. At the very least, his June departure ensures he will still be in attendance at this year's Cannes Festival of Creativity. 

"It will be a privilege to spend the coming months with him making sure that we extend and build on his vision for Leo,” says Law. “I’m confident that the talent and tenacity of Leo Burnett’s creative leadership will continue to help grow our client’s business.”