• by Fern Siegel , July 29, 2024

Chris Cancilla has returned to Arc Worldwide as the Chief Creative Officer, North America, reporting to CEO Soche Picard.

Arc is Publicis Groupe’s commerce engine that drives shopper and retail innovation.

Cancilla is charged with driving "irresistible commerce" for clients by leveraging data-driven creativity that connects with shoppers. Irresistible commerce is what Arc creates in a world where people can shop whenever and wherever they want. Brands not actively present at the moment of desire will be resisted.

Picard called Cancilla “a master of merging the art and science of commerce to connect with people.”

Cancilla's initial tenure at Arc ran from 2004-2008. When he left, he was senior vice president/group creative director. He returned and served as Chief Creative Officer from 2016-2021.

Before Arc, he was creative director at the Obama Foundation. Earlier, he held creative posts at Trisect, VMLY&R and Leo Burnett.

A seasoned brand vet, he has worked with blue-chip companies such as Molson Coors, Dunkin’, Intel, Diageo and Kimberly-Clark. His work has received various awards, including Effie and Cannes Lions.

“In a world where we have endless data, countless channels and the ability to deploy messages in nanoseconds, Arc brings the critical power of human insights coupled with breakthrough creative ideas. .. There’s no agency I’d rather be at,” Cancilla said.