DDB launches The Phyllis Project to increase number of female creative leaders in its network
DDB Worldwide, part of Omnicom Group, has today announced the launch of “The Phyllis Project,” a new global creative initiative that is committed to increasing the number of female creative leaders in every region of the network in 2017.
The project is named after the legendary Phyllis Robinson, DDB Worldwide’s first copywriter – and the first female copy chief in U.S. history. Spearheaded by Amir Kassaei, chief creative officer of DDB Worldwide, The Phyllis Project recognises the significant role women played in igniting the creative revolution and the need for gender equality in our creative leadership today.
Says Kassaei: “Phyllis broke every rule and opened doors for many women (and men) who followed. She promoted an atmosphere of creative freedom, where people had the opportunity to take chances and make bold moves, where people listened to the opinions of others even when they were nothing like their own, and every idea was welcome and considered.”
In its inaugural year, The Phyllis Project has selected 12 rising female stars at DDB who are poised to be among the industry’s next generation of creative leaders for professional development.
The project consists of the following four key components:
· A customised global mentorship program and personalised career development plan by DDB Worldwide management
· Assignments on global pitches and client briefs for DDB Worldwide’s top global clients
· Invitations to attend prominent industry events, including the Cannes International Festival of Creativity
· Guaranteed enrollment in DDB Worldwide’s leadership training programs and customised seminars developed with external partner The 3% Movement – from workshops on media skills to making the successful transition from creative to creative leader
DDB Worldwide’s global creative council has selected women from 12 different offices in nine countries across the network, including: DDB Brazil, DDB Mudra Mumbai, DDB New Zealand, DDB Paris, DDB Düsseldorf, DDB Berlin, DDB South Africa, Alma DDB Miami, DDB Spain, Tribal Toronto, DDB New York and DDB Chicago.
Says Kassaei: “We take development of our next-generation talent rather seriously and have committed to ensuring that our top creative women around the world are offered all the opportunities they deserve to further their careers.”
5 Comments
Great idea, but why no pick from West and Central Africa?
Why no DDB Australia? Could it be that it has such a reputation for being a boys club, girls don’t want to work there?
This is awesome and feels very well thought-out. Not just paying lip service or putting energies into the wrong areas, like encouraging more female students into the industry. Work with and nurture the women who are on the cusp of getting somewhere – these are the ones who often leave. Every agency network should have a program like this.
Unfortunate line spacing, leading to ambiguous grammar.
The headline could be mis-read as admonishing Phyllis Robinson.
Which is ironic.
Phyllis hires me as a copywriter in 1956. DDB was becoming a legend. Shw was definitely the most creative copywriter I ever new in my 50 yrs. in the biz. Still working!! Anybody around?!!! B
Shw would go from super hip to one the most famous jingles (At the time) for Levys Jewish Rye “I Little boy: I want Wevy’s cinnamon Waisin Bread”!!!
And then turn around after I put a horse and carriage on the beach for Cole “Cole says: this is the year to be a lady on the beach. She was a giant. And the nicest most gentle copy Chief. Even if u did something dumbass stupid. Study her work ladies (and gentlemen). None better. U r honored
To be in this project. She was the best of the best