FCB Worldwide Promotes Erika Darmstaedter to Chief Client Officer

FCB Worldwide CEO Carter Murray announced today that Erika Darmstaedter has been promoted to chief client officer, FCB Worldwide. In the newly created role, Darmstaedter, who will continue to lead the global Beiersdorf account, will work with account management across the network to guide client strategy and ensure best practices are in place for the strongest possible client/agency relationships.

“Erika is an amazing brand steward who is highly regarded by clients and colleagues,” said Murray. “We have top-notch talent in our network and I can’t think of a better person than Erika to help guide them to become the best in the industry.”

Darmstaedter joined FCB in 2011 as global account director, Beiersdorf. Under her leadership Beiersdorf won seven Cannes Lions in 2014, including the Mobile Grand Prix, and a further eight Lions in 2015. Darmstaedter was also president of FCB Hamburg from 2013 until earlier this year when she stepped down to prepare for her new role. In her spare time, Darmstaedter regularly speaks at women’s network groups. She also mentors young industry talent around the world from high-school students to young executives and has lectured at Miami Ad School.

“Great client leadership is the foundation of every client/agency relationship. This has never been more true than today, as marketers seek better, faster solutions to their business problems. Creating behavior change across the entire consumer journey is integral to enhancing a client’s bottom line,” said Darmstaedter. “Our ability to listen, shepherd the right resources around a client challenge, and provide active leadership in a multi-channel environment that will remain ever-changing is essential to our success and I’m excited to help strengthen our already-thriving account teams and bring even more value to our clients.”

A Swiss native, fluent in German, English and French and conversant in Italian, Darmstaedter grew up in Saudi Arabia, Taiwan and Israel. She has held local, regional and global senior executive positions for the bulk of her 30-year career. Following many years as CEO championing the need for strong leadership on client business, Darmstaedter decided to practice what she preached and returned to leading large pieces of client business, including as Global Account Director on Mars at TBWA, before joining FCB. Darmstaedter also built a shopper marketing agency network across Europe and the Middle East.