Emma Armstrong and Michael Aimette Exit BBDO New York, Both Land at FCB
Updated: 6 days ago
TL;DR: Two senior BBDO New York leaders, Emma Armstrong and chief creative Michael Aimette, are departing, and FCB has hired both — a clean signal of senior-talent churn among the big US creative shops.
Senior creative talent is on the move between the big US networks again. Two senior BBDO New York leaders — Emma Armstrong and chief creative officer Michael Aimette — are departing, and FCB has moved to hire both.
The moves
FCB named Aimette New York co-chief creative officer and Armstrong its first New York president. The exits signal continued senior-talent churn among the big holding-company creative shops.
For FCB, hiring both at once is a statement of intent — building out New York leadership with proven network operators rather than promoting from within.
Marketing Minute's read
Talent is the real product of a creative agency, so where it flows is a leading indicator of momentum. Two senior leaders moving from BBDO to FCB reads as FCB on the front foot and BBDO facing a rebuild at the top.
For clients, these moves matter more than org-chart trivia. The people who sold and shaped the work are the relationship; when they leave, continuity and chemistry are at stake, whichever agency you're with.
What brands should take from it
If a key agency leader on your business moves, treat it as a prompt, not a crisis. Ask who now owns your relationship and your creative vision, and make sure the chemistry that won you the work still exists. Talent moves are the moment to re-confirm the partnership, on both sides.
Quick FAQ
Who left BBDO New York for FCB?
Emma Armstrong and chief creative officer Michael Aimette. FCB named Aimette New York co-chief creative officer and Armstrong its first New York president.
Why do agency talent moves matter to clients?
The people who shape and sell the work are the relationship; when senior leaders move, continuity and creative chemistry are at stake, so clients should re-confirm who owns their business.
Talent is the real product of a creative agency, so where it flows tells you who has momentum. Two senior leaders moving to FCB reads as FCB on the front foot. For clients, these aren't org-chart trivia — the people who shaped your work are the relationship. A leader's exit is the moment to re-confirm it. — Daniel Nikolla, Founder of Merx Marketing
Senior agency talent moves are a leading indicator of momentum — when a leader on your business leaves, re-confirm who owns the relationship.
If the lead creative on your account walked tomorrow, how much of your partnership would walk with them?
If you would like to know more about this topic, please contact us on danieln@merxmarketing.co.uk
Sources: Adweek, Little Black Book, The Drum.
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Written by Daniel Nikolla, Founder of Merx Marketing Ltd and Marketing Minute
