Emma Armstrong Joins FCB as President of New York

FCB has brought Emma Armstrong on board as president of New York, joining chief creative officer Ari Halper and chief strategy officer Todd Sussman.

An ardent believer in harnessing the power of data and creativity, Armstrong brings 20 years of digital and brand marketing experience to FCB. She joins the agency from iCrossing New York, where, as managing director, she was responsible for turning brand potential into business performance across the company’s New York portfolio of clients.

Prior to iCrossing, Armstrong was EVP, global account director at Grey Group – managing the global P&G Haircare account – and also served as EVP, worldwide senior director at BBDO, where she led the global FedEx, General Electric and Viagra (Pfizer) accounts. Her teams’ work has been recognized globally, at shows including Cannes Lions, the Effies and the Webby Awards.

Originally from the UK, Armstrong began her career in marketing and advertising at the Royal Commonwealth Society after graduating with a Master of Arts degree from the University of Cambridge.

“I’m a passionate believer in the potential of creative problem solving to grow our client’s business. As the CMO role evolves to Chief Growth Officer, you need a team that combines business smarts with deep creativity and curiosity about the consumer and the world. The team at FCB NY has that in spades and I’m thrilled to join them,” said Armstrong.

FCB also announced last week the promotion of current Canada CEO Tyler Turnbull to group CEO of New York and Canada. Turnbull led the search for the New York president following the departure of Karyn Rockwell earlier this year.

Turnbull added on Armstrong’s appointment: “With all of the great momentum FCB New York has been building over the last year, we were searching for a leader who would continue to drive innovative, best-in-class and behavior-creating solutions for FCB and the brands we partner with, and help take the agency to the next level. Emma is this person. She is tenacious, forward-thinking and has a clear point of view of how to fuse brand and performance together.”

Armstrong’s hire comes as FCB scores one of its most impressive years ever, which has seen the New York office pick up new assignments from iconic brands like LG, Canon, Burger King – whose record-breaking “Whopper Detour” campaign became Burger King’s most successful promotion ever – as well as global online gaming leader Unibet.