Iris hires former Grey Europe chief as global creative chair

Iris Worldwide has appointed Eduardo Maruri – the former president and chief executive of Grey Europe – its global creative chair as the agency looks elevate its creative reputation on the awards circuit.

The renowned creative and business leader – and candidate for president of Ecuador in 2023 – will work closely with Iris Worldwide's global leadership team. His remit spans 14 offices, where he will help "reshape the creative culture" and help drive more award-winning work. He is charged with putting particular emphasis on the US.

Maruri will bring to bear his knowledge and experience for Iris's new business approach, help attract and retain creative talent and set "ambitious goals for Iris at prestigious industry events such as Cannes Lions, and helping Iris to be recognised as a creative leader by 2025".

He will oversee Iris Worldwide's global creative council, which meets biweekly at various global offices, such as Atlanta, London, Munich and San Francisco.

Maruri co-founded Maruri Advertising with his father in 1991. The business was sold to WPP in 2016 and he became president and chief executive of Grey Latin America. Two years later, he took on the same leadership role at Grey Europe, and later also that of vice-president of its global creative board.

Maruri left the WPP-owned network in 2022. In 2023, he was presidential candidate for Ecuador when a snap election was called, while earlier this year, he and his brother, Fausto, bought back Maruri Advertising from WPP. He is global chief executive and chair of the former and will continue to run the business in addition to his role at Iris – "looking for synergies for the two agencies to work together".

Ian Millner, chair of Iris Worldwide, said: "Consistently winning world-class awards isn't easy, so I can't think of anyone better than Eduardo to help bring out the best in our creativity and bring real focus and energy to the process.

"Eduardo is a top-class person with an impressive track record. His global experience will positively influence and enhance our understanding and appreciation of diversity and cultural differences worldwide. I can't wait to get started."

Maruri added: "Iris is bursting with creativity and potential, and I can't wait to dive in. I'm looking forward to working with the team to push creative boundaries, build the reputation, and deliver standout work. We've got big goals ahead, and I'm excited to help make Iris a top name in the creative world."

Campaign named Maruri Agency head of the Year EMEA 2019.