Havas Chicago Welcomes Frank Dattalo as Chief Creative Officer
Dattalo returns to his roots to help lead Havas Chicago's creative reinvention.
Today, Havas Chicago announced the appointment of Frank Dattalo as Chief Creative Officer. In his new role, Dattalo joins President Kat Ott and Chief Strategy Officer Chase Cornett to redefine the agency's creative approach. He aims to blend strategic brand-building expertise with culturally driven, modern work that stands out.
Dattalo's Impressive Background
Dattalo comes to Havas Chicago from his role as EVP and Executive Creative Director at Cashmere Agency. He is widely recognized for spearheading culturally impactful campaigns, including the notable "MUSTAAAAAAAAAARD" collaboration with Kraft Heinz and Budweiser's tribute to Notorious B.I.G., titled "The B.I.G. Drop," which celebrates hip-hop's significant milestones.
Experience in Top Creative Roles
Throughout his career, Dattalo has held leading creative positions at esteemed companies such as Apple, R/GA where he oversaw Nike projects, Critical Mass LA, and Deutsch LA. He started his journey in the creative industry in Chicago at Energy BBDO, crafting legendary campaigns like Orbit Gum's "Dirty Mouth" and 5 Gum's "Stimulate Your Senses." His work has earned accolades at renowned international award shows like Cannes Lions and the Webby Awards.
A Personal Connection to Chicago
Expressing his enthusiasm about returning, Dattalo remarked, "Coming back to Chicago is a full-circle moment—reuniting with the city that shaped both me and my career. It's a privilege to contribute to the legacy of this vibrant creative community and collaborate with Kat and Chase, two legends I admire, as we position Havas Chicago as a globally elite creative force." His sentiments underscore the personal and professional significance of this new chapter.
Kat Ott's Perspective on Dattalo's Involvement
Kat Ott, President of Havas Chicago, also expressed her excitement regarding Dattalo's arrival, highlighting that his passion for nurturing a culture where diverse talent can take bold risks aligns seamlessly with their agency's vision. She anticipates that together they will create compelling work that captures attention, drives recognition, and fosters real change in the market.
Innovative Creative Strategy at Havas Chicago
Under the leadership of Ott, Cornett, and now Dattalo, Havas Chicago is embracing a distinctive "high-low" creative strategy. This approach combines the strategic precision of large agency brand thinking with the cultural fluency, speed, and agility characteristic of boutique creative agencies. This innovative combination is aimed at making significant waves in the advertising industry.
About Havas Chicago
Havas Chicago is a key part of Havas Creative Network, a robust group of creative agencies composed of top-tier, interdisciplinary talent spread across various regions worldwide. As an integral division of Havas Creative North America, the agency integrates an independent spirit with expansive reach. For more information, visit www.chi.havas.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Frank Dattalo?
Frank Dattalo is the newly appointed Chief Creative Officer at Havas Chicago, bringing extensive experience and a rich creative background.
What is Havas Chicago's creative approach?
Havas Chicago employs a "high-low" creative strategy, combining rigorous brand thinking with cultural insights and nimbleness characteristic of boutique agencies.
What notable campaigns has Dattalo created?
He is known for impactful campaigns, including the collaboration with Kraft Heinz called "MUSTAAAAAAAAAARD," and Budweiser's tribute to Notorious B.I.G.
What does returning to Chicago mean for Dattalo?
Dattalo views his return to Chicago as a full-circle moment, allowing him to contribute to a vibrant creative community that has shaped his career.
How does Havas Chicago plan to impact the market?
Under the leadership of Dattalo and others, Havas Chicago aims to create transformative work that inspires change and propels brand recognition.
