FCB Chicago CEO Kelly Graves is leaving the agency after 17 years to take on a new role as CEO of Eastport Holdings, a marketing services company that owns agencies including 9Rooftops, Mindstream Media Group, 500 Degrees, Blue Text, and Marca.
Following Graves’ departure in April, Jen Neumann, currently EVP and group Management Director, will step into the role of President. A longtime FCB executive based in Chicago, Neumann will work closely with the agency’s leadership team to maintain momentum and uphold the agency’s reputation for impactful work.
Graves first joined FCB as Chief Marketing Officer before being promoted to President in 2019 and later assuming the CEO role in 2022. Under her leadership, FCB Chicago has continued to thrive, serving major clients such as Clorox, Cox Communications, Discover, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
In a statement, FCB expressed gratitude for Graves’ contributions: “We are truly grateful for all of Kelly’s contributions during her 17-year tenure, and we wish her the very best in this next chapter. Jen Neumann will work closely with the broader Chicago Leadership Team to build on our momentum and continue delivering the impactful work that defines FCB.”
Why Graves is Making the Move
According to AdAge, Graves’ transition to Eastport Holdings comes as independent agencies gain traction in the industry. She will remain based in Chicago, focusing on agency growth, talent development, and collaboration across Eastport’s portfolio.
“I love FCB,” Graves said in an interview. “But it was time for a new challenge and a new change. Let’s be honest—independents are having a moment right now, so this is very appealing to me.”
Eastport Holdings Chairman Bubba Patton praised Graves’ experience, stating, “Kelly’s ability to drive year-over-year growth for FCB’s largest operation, her passion for business development, and her commitment to clients are exactly what we need to take Eastport to the next level.”
What This Means for Chicago’s Ad Scene
Graves’ departure is the latest in a wave of executive shifts in Chicago-based agencies as holding companies consolidate leadership in New York. Recent moves include:
- BBDO New York & Chicago: Former Wieden+Kennedy New York President Jiah Choi was named CEO for both offices after Jeff Adkins left Energy BBDO.
- DDB Chicago: Former CEO Emma Montgomery moved to New York to become Global Chief Strategy Officer at Droga5.
- Leo Burnett Chicago: Britt Nolan departed as President & CCO to join McCann Worldgroup in New York, while Renato Fernandez took on dual roles at Publicis Creative US and Leo Burnett.
Despite this trend, FCB remains committed to its Chicago roots. “Chicago is the heart of FCB,” Graves emphasized. “It’s where we were founded, and it has always been home to our largest office.” As she transitions to Eastport, Graves plans to strengthen 9Rooftops’ Chicago presence, signaling continued investment in the city’s advertising talent and market. “We have our sights set on Chicago as a key market for talent and clients,” she said.
With Neumann stepping in as FCB Chicago’s new President, the agency is poised for stability while Graves embarks on her next challenge in independent marketing leadership.
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