After 35 years, DDB worldwide chairman + CCO Bob Scarpelli to retire at the end of the year

DDB Worldwide chairman Bob Scarpelli has announced he will retire at the end of 2011. Scarpelli, one of advertising’s all-time nice guys, has spent nearly 35 years at DDB, beginning his career as a copywriter at what was then Needham Harper & Steers in Chicago, which merged with DDB in 1986.

He became chief creative officer of DDB Chicago in 1994, DDB US chief creative officer in 2000, and chairman of DDB Chicago in 2001. He was promoted to DDB Worldwide chief creative officer in 2004 and added the title of chairman in 2006.

Says DDB CEO and President Chuck Brymer: “Bob has personified DDB’s values of Creativity and Humanity. His passionate work for leading brands and the nurturing of our creative talent has helped differentiate and grow DDB.”

Says Scarpelli (pictured), who will consult for DDB and relocated back to Chicago from New York earlier this year: “I have had a magical career at DDB. I’ve been fortunate to work with some amazingly smart and talented people over the years, both at the agency and at our clients. But now it’s time for me to step back, pay full attention to my family and my health, and enjoy whatever surprises life has in store for me.”