BBDO New York Hires Chief Strategy Officer Emily Portnoy

Emily Portnoy has been named chief strategy officer for BBDO New York. Emily will be leaving McCann New York where she joined as head of brand strategy in 2019 and was quickly elevated to chief strategy officer in 2022. During that time, her experience spanned across beauty, food, retail, hospitality, technology, and pro-bono foundations. 

Emily is a powerhouse when it comes to growth. For her, new business is “the creative process on steroids; storytelling, problem solving, presenting, chemistry, all of it in one.” Her expertise has contributed to many wins at McCann, including Prudential, TJ Maxx, two of the bigger wins for McCann NY since May 2022. 

Emily will report to Nancy Reyes, CEO of BBDO The Americas, who commented, “You know when you meet someone, and you immediately feel inspired? That's how I felt meeting Emily. She is insanely optimistic, provocative, and curious. She believes in this industry and the work we do, and we are honoured to have her join us.” 

Emily is a problem-solver by nature and believer in helping brands tap into culture and human behaviour to get to the root of unique business challenges. Her skillset has contributed to much of McCann New York’s success over the last five years, including their spot as Campaign US BIG Agency of the Year, and Top Performing NY Agency at Cannes Lions. 

Prior to McCann, Emily spent fourteen years with Grey. In that time, she implemented a new approach to consumer journeys, helping form meaningful consumer connections for a variety of brands including Pantene, Sargento, the JM Smucker brand portfolio (Smucker’s, Jif, and Crisco), McCormick & Co., Nestlé, Hasbro, Darden Restaurants, Douglas Elliman, the National Park Foundation and OTC healthcare brands from Novartis. 

“I was there for the Grey turnaround, I know what it takes to be successful; an integrated leadership team with a shared vision, shared passion and shared commitment to each other in making it happen”, says Emily. “It was very clear to me when I met Nancy Reyes and Chris Beresford-Hill that BBDO had a recipe for success in the making and there was simply no way I could pass up this opportunity. It’s a once in a career moment, and I can’t wait to get started!”

Throughout her 20+ year career, Emily has been passionate about developing talent and building what she calls “the next generation of legends” in the industry. This is evidenced by her involvement with the Cannes Young Lions Competition and her distinguished position as Co-Chair of the Effie Future Council – a nomination received by an Effie Worldwide Board Member alongside just thirteen other industry leaders. 

Her passion and ability to make waves is what attracted Emily to BBDO New York. “BBDO has many brands that are not only household names but have become threads in the fabric of culture and everyday life. I have always been passionate about creating work that matters to real people and there’s no question that the line up of clients at BBDO does just that,” says Emily. 

Emily is taking the reins in New York in May from BBDO veteran Nicole Granese, who is moving into the role of chief strategy officer for AT&T.