JWT axes worldwide chief creative role following Matt Eastwood exit

J. Walter Thompson (JWT) has axed the worldwide chief creative officer position, following the exit of global CCO Matt Eastwood (pictured), who held the role since 2014. This is not the first time the company had gone without a global CCO, with the role being empty from 2009 to 2014 after Craig Davis’ departure.In a statement to Adweek, Eastwood had left to pursue other interests. During his time at JWT, Eastwood reported to Gustavo Martinez, global president, JWT. Prior to JWT, Eastwood was with DDB, where he was chief creative officer, New York. He joined DDB Australia in 2006 as national creative director and vice chairman. He then joined DDB New York in 2010 as chief creative officer.In a statement, Tamara Ingram, JWT Worldwide CEO, said that the future of the agency is being reimagined. She explained that the decision to axe the role was a structural decision which will allow the agency to be more agile, leverage its collective global bench strength and encourage the “burgeoning diverse ‘maker culture’ growing within JWT”."We would like to thank Matt Eastwood for his contributions and wish him continued success in his future endeavours," Ingram added.