Ad Agency Havas Chicago Appoints Frank Dattalo as Chief Creative Officer
Rewritten Article:
Havas Chicago has welcomed a fresh face as their new chief creative officer (CCO) - Frank Dattalo. Scooped exclusively by ADWEEK, this big move follows Myra Nussbaum's departure to chase other opportunities, according to a spokesperson.
With Dattalo on board, he'll be collaborating with president Kat Ott and chief strategy officer Chase Cornett, aiming to revolutionize Havas Chicago's creative strategy through culturally-charged, brand-centric work.
Ott expressed her excitement about Dattalo's appointment, stating, "Frank's enthusiasm for nurturing an environment where ambitious talent can take bold leaps suits our vision like a glove. Together, we'll craft cutting-edge work that grabs attention, fuels trends, and drives meaningful change."
Dattalo intends to blend the strategic mastery of a brand with the cultural savvy of an influencer or boutique agency, employing a "high-low" approach to Havas Chicago's creative process. In his words, "Strategy reigns supreme, but tactics secure victories—all hinging on this philosophy of brand thinking and influencer actions."
His expertise in exploiting cultural zeitgeists is well-established, as evidenced by his previous engagements.
Most recently, at Cashmere Agency, Dattalo spearheaded the Kraft Heinz x Mustard alliance, capitalizing on the hip-hop producer's recent collaborations with Kendrick Lamar. Prior to that, he helmed Budweiser's "The B.I.G. Drop," commemorating Notorious B.I.G. for hip-hop's 50th anniversary in 2023.
These inventive collaborations stem not only from Dattalo's knack for tapping into cultural movements but also from his deep-rooted passion for brands that have resonated with him personally and his unwavering quest for new, intriguing ways for people to engage with brands.
Entering Havas Chicago, Dattalo is thrilled to join forces with Ott and Cornett to solidify the agency's status as a globally formidable creative powerhouse. Embracing this opportunity, he humorously declared, "Returning to Chicago is a full-circle moment, reuniting with the city that fostered both my career and me."
A Triumphant Redux
Frank Dattalo has forged a significant reputation as a creative powerhouse in advertising. Some of his most renowned past works include:
- "MUSTAAAAAAAAAARD" - a joint venture between Kraft Heinz and Mustard. As EVP and Executive Creative Director at Cashmere Agency, Dattalo played a key role in this unforgettable alliance.
- "Dirty Mouth" - an iconic campaign for Orbit Gum, which has gained new life as a TikTok meme. Originated at Energy BBDO in Chicago, this advertising marvel is known for its witty and humorous approach to oral hygiene.
- "Stimulate Your Senses" - another successful campaign for 5 Gum, created during Dattalo's time at Energy BBDO. This marketing initiative established 5 Gum as a brand that evokes sensory experiences and has garnered revived popularity through TikTok trends.
- "The B.I.G. Drop" - a tribute to Notorious B.I.G. for hip-hop's 50th anniversary, this campaign celebrated the rich history of hip-hop culture and was another engaging collaboration under Dattalo's creative guidance.
These campaigns demonstrate Dattalo's proficiency in creating culturally impactful and enduring advertising, recognized at prestigious global award ceremonies such as Cannes Lions and D&AD.[1][2]
- Following his appointment as the new chief creative officer (CCO) at Havas Chicago, Frank Dattalo is poised to redefine finance and business through a strategic blend of brand position, cultural swing, and influencer tactics.
- Dattalo's aim is to reposition Havas Chicago as a globally formidable creative powerhouse by employing a high-low approach, merging the strategic mastery of a brand with the cultural savvy of an influencer or boutique agency.
- His career achievements, such as the "MUSTAAAARD," "Dirty Mouth," and "Stimulate Your Senses" campaigns, have solidified his position as a creative powerhouse in advertising, earning him accolades at renowned award ceremonies like Cannes Lions and D&AD.
- As Havas Chicago's CCO, Dattalo will collaborate with president Kat Ott and chief strategy officer Chase Cornett to revolutionize the agency's creative strategy, targeting culturally-centric, brand-focused work.
- Boasting a knack for capitalizing on cultural movements and a deep-rooted passion for resonating brands, Dattalo is eager to redefine his career at Havas Chicago alongside Ott and Cornett, marking a triumphant returning to the city that fostered his career.
