Feb. 19--Leo Burnett, Chicago's largest ad agency, has decided to close its New York City office after less than five years.
The Park Avenue office had 15 staffers. The agency did not disclose details about their employment status going forward.
"Leo Burnett has decided to close Leo Burnett New York to focus on growth opportunities with Rokkan, Leo Burnett Business, Leo Burnett Chicago and the broader global network," the agency said in a statement Wednesday. "Leo Burnett New York created some of the most awarded, unconventional and talked-about work in the industry during its five years on Park Avenue. The company is very proud and thankful for the creativity and innovation that Leo Burnett New York put out into the world."
Launched in 1935, Leo Burnett is perhaps the quintessential Chicago advertising agency, with clients such as Allstate, Kellogg's, Procter Gamble, Samsung and Coca-Cola. Leo Burnett recently crafted a new campaign to refresh the image of struggling fast-food giant McDonald's, using the Super Bowl as a launching pad.
Part of Paris-based Publicis Groupe, Leo Burnett has 1,600 employees at its Chicago headquarters.
rchannick@tribpub.com
