Leo Burnett names new regional account director for McDonald's

Blears, who has been with the agency for 25 years, will become worldwide account head for the fast-food giant. He previously led the business in the USA and Europe. Blears will report directly to Tom Bernardin, chairman and CEO of Leo Burnett Worldwide.

Hudspeth will continue his role as chief digital officer while taking up the account-leadership duties. Born in Malaysia, Hudspeth has founded and led digital, brand and creative agencies on four continents, according to the agency. He has worked with McDonald's, P&G, Coca Cola, and Samsung. Based in Singapore, he will continue to report to Jarek Ziebinski, president of Leo Burnett APAC. 

Hudspeth's background in digital, brand, integrated, plus his experience working on McDonald’s "set him up well as successor”, Ziebinski said.

Blears' Japan leadership responsibilities will fall to Greg Jones, who joins the agency from Suite Partners. Jones returns to Leo Burnett following a three-and-a-half year stint as managing director at Suite Partners, a social-media activation company. In his new role, effective this month, Jones will report to Nicolas Menat, president, representative director, Beacon/Leo Burnett Tokyo.

“The promotion of Mark to the global account leadership of the McDonald’s business is a wonderful recognition of his achievements and outstanding work,” said Ziebinski.