Kate Jeffers

Kate Jeffers is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Leo Burnett (“Leo”). Leo Burnett was founded
91 years ago in Chicago and known for creating famous brand characters and campaigns including
Tony the Tiger, The Jolly Green Giant, United’s “Fly the Friendly Skies,” and Allstate’s “Mayhem.”

In January 2025, Publicis Groupe doubled down on the legacy, values, and reputation of the Leo
Burnett brand by creating the “Leo” global network: 130 agencies across 90 countries. Kate leads
the Headquarters of the Leo global network, located in The Leo Burnett Building at 35 W Wacker Drive. She is responsible for its P+L, staff and 30+ clients, which include Aldi, Bank of America, Campbell’s, Kellogg’s, Nintendo, Sam’s Club, and Walgreen’s. She is also responsible for ensuring leadership oversight, business strategy, and infrastructure support for the newly established Leo NY
as well as for leading key global initiatives. Kate’s sphere of influence covers 500+ employees and
$200+ million in annual revenue.

Kate was appointed CEO of Leo Burnett in May 2024, following a 27-year track record leading
advertising agencies and driving tangible results for brands including 3M, Audi, Coca-Cola, eBay, HBO, Frito-Lay, Google, and Reebok. Kate’s experience also includes launching the Apple iPod and Toyota Prius, leading Chipotle’s marketing through its radical business turnaround, and deploying REI’s famous Black Friday #OptOutside initiative.

Kate currently sits on the boards of The Executives Club of Chicago, World Business Chicago, and
Off the Street Club (Chicago’s oldest boys and girls club), where she actively collaborates with leaders to drive socioeconomic opportunities for the city. She is especially interested in creating new access points for Chicago youth to enter creative industries and is currently leading the charge on a specific talent initiative. Her impact has already been recognized, as she was recently named
one of Crain’s Chicago Business 2026 “Women of Influence.”

Outside of her professional and civic responsibilities, Kate’s most important “hobby” is her family. Her husband, Crockett, is a former Creative Director in advertising who is working towards his teaching credential in special education. Her son, Charlie, just finished his sophomore year at Brown
University and will be spending his junior year abroad at the London School of Economics. Her daughter, Lucy, is heading to Cornell University in the fall to play D1 lacrosse. Kate is also actively involved in Pass the Bricks, the global nonprofit that Charlie and Lucy founded in 2021 to upcycle used LEGO bricks into “new” sets for children in marginalized communities. Pass the Bricks is now in 215 cities across the world and has reached over 40,000 kids in need.

Kate has been “commuting” to California over the past two years to allow Lucy to finish high school with her friends. As of August, she and Crockett will be official empty-nesters and Chicagoans, living in Lincoln Park. They’re excited to expand their network, become enthusiastic Bears/Blackhawks/Bulls/Cubs fans, and explore new restaurants in the city.