Larry Gies
Chicago,IL
Summary
Seasoned strategy leader with a history of driving creative excellence and business growth. Excel at blending strategy, creativity, technology, and culture to deliver famous, effective work. Expertise in agency modernization, brand reinvention, creative effectiveness, and building high performing teams.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
EVP, Chief Strategy Officer
BBDO Chicago/Energy BBDO
Chicago, Illinois
01.2009 - 06.2026
Senior executive leading transformation, strategy, and creative effectiveness.
- Partnered with CEOs and CCOs on growth, creative ambition, and continuous reinvention
- Integrated Proximity integration and established a modern Social practice.
- Pioneered OMNI data platform adoption and co-authored BBDO’s global POV on AI.
- Drove 100+ strategy and effectiveness awards, including 2023 Global Grand Effie.
SVP, Director of Brand Planning
Y&R CHICAGO
Chicago, Illinois
02.2002 - 09.2008
Reimagined Planning, strengthened strategic rigor and developed the creative strategy for Miller Lite that ignited the “Beer Wars."
Senior Planner
TBWA/CHIAT DAY NEW YORK
New York, New York
01.2001 - 01.2002
Led cultural and brand strategy reinforcing Absolut’s leadership and helped develop Disruption.
Senior Planner
DINOTO LEE
New York, New York
09.1999 - 01.2001
Research, digital, UX and brand/communications strategy work across technology start-ups.
Senior Planner
WIEDEN & KENNEDY
Portland, Oregon
09.1997 - 09.1999
Led initiatives for Nike (including the reintroduction of "Just Do It"), Microsoft, Diet Coke, and PowerBar.
Earlier Career
Tathaam EURO RSCG/J. Walter Thompson
Chicago, Illinois
12.1993 - 09.1997
Led research, brand/creative strategy for P&G, Kraft, Coors, and emerging technology clients.
Education
BBA - Stephen M. Ross School of Business
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI05-1992
Accomplishments
- Omnicom University Leadership Program (Graduate & Post-Graduate)
- BBDO Global Strategy & Intelligence Leadership Team'
- Former Member, Omnicom Strategy Council
Timeline
EVP, Chief Strategy Officer
BBDO Chicago/Energy BBDO
01.2009 - 06.2026
SVP, Director of Brand Planning
Y&R CHICAGO
02.2002 - 09.2008
Senior Planner
TBWA/CHIAT DAY NEW YORK
01.2001 - 01.2002
Senior Planner
DINOTO LEE
09.1999 - 01.2001
Senior Planner
WIEDEN & KENNEDY
09.1997 - 09.1999
Earlier Career
Tathaam EURO RSCG/J. Walter Thompson
12.1993 - 09.1997
BBA - Stephen M. Ross School of Business
University of Michigan