Profile

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Biography

A graduate of HEC business school, Jean-Marie Dru began his career in 1971 with Dupuy Compton (now Saatchi & Saatchi) as an account executive on Procter & Gamble, rising to the position of Executive Creative Director in 1972.

In 1977, he joined Young & Rubicam in Paris as Managing Director, and became CEO in 1979.

In 1984, he co-founded BDDP, which became #3 in France and #15 worldwide in seven years. BDDP merged in 1998 with TBWA Worldwide. Jean-Marie Dru served as President and CEO International and was appointed President and CEO Worldwide in March 2001. In 2008 Mr. Dru moved into the role of Chairman.

Jean-Marie Dru is also the author of three books on advertising and marketing strategy, including his latest publication “Beyond Disruption – Changing the Rules in the Marketplace” (John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2002), “Disruption: Overturning Conventions and Shaking Up the Marketplace” (John Wiley & Sons Inc.1996), and “Le Saut Créatif” (The Creative Leap, Lattès 1984). “Disruption” is available worldwide and is currently in its fourth reprint.

Mr. Dru served as President of the Cannes Advertising Film Festival Jury in 1982 and 1998. He has also served as President of the Outdoor Advertising Grand Prix in 1987 and 1988, and is Vice President of the French National Advertising Association and a member of the European Advertising Association.