Havas Chicago has appointed Frank Dattalo as its new Chief Creative Officer, signaling a bold evolution in the agency’s creative direction. With deep roots in culturally resonant brand work, Dattalo’s return to his hometown aligns with the agency’s mission to combine strategic brand-building with culturally attuned storytelling.
Dattalo’s New Role and Vision at Havas
- Will join forces with President Kat Ott and CSO Chase Cornett.
- Tasked with redefining Havas Chicago’s creative strategy.
- Emphasis on work that is modern, culturally relevant, and strategically impactful.
- Aims to elevate Havas Chicago’s reputation as a globally elite creative agency.
Career Highlights and Cultural Impact
- Former EVP and Executive Creative Director at Cashmere Agency, Los Angeles.
- Known for breakthrough campaigns such as:
- Kraft Heinz’s “MUSTAAAAAAAAAARD” – a cultural hit.
- Budweiser’s “The B.I.G. Drop” – honoring Notorious B.I.G. for Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary.
- Held senior creative roles at:
- Apple
- R/GA (led Nike’s creative efforts)
- Critical Mass LA
- Deutsch LA
Chicago Roots and Memorable Work
- Began his career at Energy BBDO in Chicago.
- Created iconic campaigns:
- Orbit Gum’s “Dirty Mouth”
- 5 Gum’s “Stimulate Your Senses” – now viral on TikTok.
- Recognized with top creative honors from:
- Cannes Lions
- D&AD
- The One Show
- Webby Awards
- Shorty Awards
- Effies
- Clios
Leadership Perspectives
- Frank Dattalo on returning to Chicago:
- Described it as a “full-circle moment.”
- Eager to contribute to the city’s creative community and legacy.
- Looks forward to collaborating with Kat Ott and Chase Cornett to drive bold, globally resonant work.
- Kat Ott on Dattalo’s appointment:
- Praised his passion for nurturing diverse, ambitious talent.
- Highlighted alignment with Havas’s goal to create impactful, socially engaged creative work.
A New Creative Approach: High-Low Strategy
- The agency is moving toward a “high-low” creative model:
- Merges big-brand strategic discipline with the speed and cultural sharpness of social-first shops.
- Designed to create content that drives engagement, cultural relevance, and business results.
Frank Dattalo’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Havas Chicago as it embraces a forward-thinking creative vision rooted in cultural fluency and strategic excellence. His homecoming not only reaffirms his commitment to the city’s creative spirit but also signals Havas’s ambition to stand out on a global stage through bold, culturally resonant storytelling.
