Ricardo Franco joins BBDO New York as ECD

BBDO New York has appointed Ricardo Franco as executive creative director, placing him in charge of creative work for AB InBev brands including Budweiser and Michelob ULTRA.

The move adds an experienced creative leader to the agency as it continues its collaboration with one of the world’s largest beverage companies.

Ricardo Franco previously served as executive creative director at BBH New York. At BBDO New York, Ricardo Franco reports to Michael Aimette, chief creative officer.

Creative leadership across global agencies

Ricardo Franco brings more than 16 years of experience working in New York, Madrid, and São Paulo. During that time, he has led creative teams at agencies including DAVID Madrid, TBWA\Chiat\Day, R/GA New York, and Africa DDB.

His portfolio includes campaigns such as Billie Jean King Your Shoes for Adidas, This Billboard Is Yours to Take for Budweiser, The Fake News Stand for Columbia Journalism Review, and The Prime Ball for Amazon Prime Video.

Industry recognition and international awards

Ricardo Franco has received recognition across major international award programmes. The Cannes Lions ranking placed him fifth among the world’s most awarded creative directors.

His work for brands including Samsung, Adidas, Netflix, Burger King, Columbia Journalism Review, Kraft Heinz, Prime Video, and Budweiser has earned honours at Cannes Lions, The One Show, D&AD, and the Clio Awards.

Michael Aimette, chief creative officer, BBDO: “I’ve known Ricardo for a few years and what’s always stood out to me is his crazy, almost puppy-dog level of enthusiasm. He genuinely finds great opportunities in every brief, even the smallest ones, and turns them into big things.”

Focus on AB InBev portfolio

At BBDO New York, Ricardo Franco will oversee creative development for the agency’s AB InBev portfolio, including Budweiser and Michelob ULTRA.

Ricardo Franco: “It’s an incredibly exciting moment to join BBDO New York. With new leadership and the ambition to Do Big Things, this next chapter is a rare opportunity to shape what comes next at an agency that has raised the bar for the industry many times before - and is ready to do it again.”

The appointment follows BBDO New York’s work on Budweiser’s Super Bowl LX campaign American Icons, which ranked first on USA Today’s Ad Meter and marked the brand’s second consecutive win.

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