Management is abysmal and will bring the place down. - Creative Director DDB Employee Review

1.0
Jan 25, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great people, plenty of talent below management, and big name clients you won't find elsewhere. The work-life balance is rare for advertising. Surprisingly, DDB still has the building blocks to be the best in Chicago.

Cons

Management is the worst I've worked for. The CEO is a emotionless robot who has zero interest in advertising and won't say hello to employees in the hallway. Dude, there are only 200 left. You should at least recognize the people who work for you. The CCO is a hack and a bully who wields his power freely. His taste is 1980s pap. He hopes to get away from humor, which is the very thing DDB was built on. They're a scary duo working in tandem for the clients' interests. Because they suck so much, planners are running the place, overthinking every bit of work to death before it ever gets to the client. Beyond that, there's no desire to retain talent other than the chosen few. In fact, there's a weird vibe that if you profess a desire for more money or opportunity, you're a traitor who must go.

Explore other reviews about DDB

5.0
Mar 14, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Lots of opportunity, large clients.

Cons

Long hours, slow on promotions and raises.

3.0
Apr 15, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good place to grow, strong brand

Cons

No culture anymore, very siloed

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