The appointment is effective immediately, and Kassaei will be based in New York and Berlin.
Scarpelli will continue as chairman.
“At DDB, we believe creativity is the most powerful force in business. And I believe Amir is one of our most powerfully creative thinkers,” Scarpelli said.
“He is an innovator, a provocateur and an inspiring leader. I know he will do great things in his new role and I look forward to continue working with him.”
DDB also announced it is expanding its Creative Council structure which it formed two years ago.
The DDB Asia-Pacific Creative Council is led by DDB New Zealand’s Toby Talbot and the DDB Latin America Creative Council is spearheaded by DDB Latina President and CEO Juan Carlos Ortiz.
Late last year, DDB West CCO Lisa Bennett was asked to create and chair the US Creative Council. And this week DDB London ECD Jeremy Craigen was named chair of DDB’s European Creative Council.