5 Questions for: DDB New York’s Chris Brown

The 4A’s is asking some of the ad industry’s most interesting thinkers to share their views on the future of advertising, change and what they really want to be when they grow up. Here DDB New York’s Chris Brown offers his thoughts:

DDB New York President/CEO Chris Brown
DDB New York President/CEO Chris Brown

1) What’s the biggest challenge or opportunity facing the ad industry right now?

Making sure we continue to attract the best and brightest talent.

2) What is the single most significant change you need to make in your agency in the next 12 months?

An increased focus on innovation – we need to push ourselves to think beyond the current norms.

What products/services/unique skills do ad agencies offer that guarantee the industry’s survival for another 100 years?

An ability to uncover simple yet powerful human insights that lead to impossible to ignore creative experiences.

What attributes do you look for in your next generation of leaders/managers?

Humanity, humility and a healthy dose of common sense.

If you weren’t working in advertising, what would you be doing as a career?

You mean there are other careers outside of advertising? I reckon running a surf shop on Bondi Beach in Sydney would be pretty cool…

Chris Brown is the President/CEO of DDB’s New York office.