Lee Clow Steps Down as Chief Creative Officer on Apple Ad Account

NOTE: Originally posted by Kunur Patel at adage.com

 Lee Clow has stepped down as chief creative officer of TBWA/Media Arts Lab, which has handled TBWA's longtime client Apple. At 66, Mr. Clow is relinquishing the creative lead on an account that has distinguished his storied career.

Duncan Milner, executive creative director on Apple and a TBWA alum since 1990, has been tapped to fill the role at Media Arts. Mr. Clow will remain chairman and global director of Media Arts Lab and chief creative of the TBWA network. He was not available for comment on this story.

Media Arts Lab was founded in 2006 to serve Apple, as well as embody Mr. Clow's vision of a new type of ad agency that makes culture, rather than just commercials

In his more than 40 years in advertising, he is best known for his work for Apple, which includes what many have called the best commercial of all time, "1984," that launched the Macintosh computer; the now iconic dancing silhouettes for the iPod; and the more recent "Mac vs. PC" campaign featuring actors John Hodgman and Justin Long. His other memorable campaigns include the Energizer Bunny and the Taco Bell Chihuahua.

Mr. Clow's replacement, Mr. Milner, has worked at TBWA offices in San Francisco, Toronto, St. Louis, New York and Los Angeles. Besides Apple, Mr. Milner has worked on agency clients including Nissan, Levi's and Pedigree. TBWA is part of Omnicom Group.

"[Duncan's] contribution to Chiat/Day over the last 18 years has been a role model for any creative person here," said Mr. Clow of his replacement in a statement. "I couldn't think of anyone I'd feel more comfortable passing this role on to. He's truly earned it." #