Ian Mackenzie Departs McCann Worldgroup

After almost nine years within IPG, Ian Mackenzie has departed McCann Worldgroup.

The end of an era, this decision caps a historic tenure that most recently saw him in the global creative AI lead role, having previously served as chief creative officer across  FCB/SIX, Performance Art (both of which he co-founded), and McCann Worldgroup (McCann, MRM and Craft in Canada).

“I'm brimming with gratitude for all the experiences, chances to learn, and talented people and partners I had a chance to work with along this part of my journey, and for the incredible clients who trusted me and our teams with their brands and customers,” he wrote on LinkedIn. “A global network should give its people a chance to work on global brands, to develop global professional networks, to work at global scale, and to do work that's held to global standards. IPG, FCB and McCann Worldgroup each gave me all of that and so much more.”

A firm believer in the use of creativity to unlock the growth-driving and brand-building potential of complex data, Ian’s passion for anything from pushing the boundaries and limitations of CRM to helping clients find uncontested market spaces with the blank canvas of technology has left a legacy at these agencies which will stand for quite some time.

“Across those nine years, a strong hunch has become a strong conviction,” the former CCO continued. “And the creative AI work I've had the privilege to work on and lead over the past few years makes it clear to me... this is just the beginning.”

This begs the question, what comes next for Ian? After all, at a time when understanding and pushing the capabilities of AI is more in-demand than ever, a man of his experience is certainly going to be a hot prospect.

While ultimately, the Canadian industry will have to hold its breath, one thing’s for sure. It’ll serve as a worthy continuation of an already esteemed story.

“If I'm grateful for the journey so far, I'm even more excited about what's ahead,” he teased. “Stay tuned for details. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out and connect or re-connect. I haven't always been good at saying it out loud, but I'm so proud to be part of this professional community, and admire so much of what you all are doing.”