Brendan Gaul Named McCann's Global Chief Entertainment Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

McCann, part of Interpublic Group (NYSE:IPG), has appointed Brendan Gaul as Global Chief Entertainment Officer, bringing TRAVERSE32, an original entertainment company, from IPG Mediabrands to McCann. Gaul, who will report to Global CEO Daryl Lee, returns to McCann where he started his career in 2002.

Gaul's appointment highlights McCann's strategic focus on brand storytelling through entertainment. His track record includes two Cannes Lions Grand Prix wins, including the recent "THE FINAL COPY OF ILON SPECHT" film. TRAVERSE32's portfolio features successful projects like "Dear Santa" for the US Postal Service and "5B" for J&J, which achieved a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score and is now part of MOMA's permanent collection.

Positive

• Integration of TRAVERSE32 enhances McCann's entertainment and storytelling capabilities
• Proven track record with two Cannes Lions Grand Prix wins
• Strong portfolio of successful brand entertainment projects
• Strategic partnerships with major Hollywood players including Imagine Entertainment and CAA

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction

+3.68%

1 alert

+3.68% News Effect

On the day this news was published, IPG gained 3.68%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Original Entertainment Company, Traverse32, moves to McCann from IPG Mediabrands

NEW YORK, Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- McCann today announced the appointment of Brendan Gaul as Global Chief Entertainment Officer, bringing with him the original entertainment company, TRAVERSE32, from IPG Mediabrands. This move signals McCann's focus on building brands through all flavors of creativity, using long form entertainment storytelling to create deeper connections with audiences. Gaul will report directly to Daryl Lee, Global CEO of McCann and McCann Worldgroup.

Gaul, who will continue to serve as Global President of TRAVERSE32, brings a proven history of developing entertainment properties. The recent Cannes Lions Grand Prix for Film win for "THE FINAL COPY OF ILON SPECHT," produced in partnership with McCann and BREAKWATER Studios, exemplifies this success. The film, which also garnered a Gold, Silver, and Bronze Lion, demonstrates the power of culturally resonant stories that brands can authentically tell. This marks the second Grand Prix for Gaul, highlighting his effectiveness in producing hits for brands.

"Brendan is truly a pioneer of brand entertainment," said Lee. "His arrival brings original content development into the heart of McCann and our global creative community. Brands often talk about making culture – with TRAVERSE32 that will actually be true."

Javier Campopiano, Global Chief Creative Officer of McCann, added, " At McCann we believe in finding truths and tell them with the highest level of storytelling. That is why this this is so exciting: Brendan and his team will be critical to help us to bring those truths to life in all the arenas of creativity that exist. And we can't wait to make more movies!"

Gaul's return to McCann marks a homecoming. Gaul started his career at McCann in 2002 as an art director.  He left McCann in 2005 to build branded content units in J3, UM and IPG Mediabrands before launching TRAVERSE32 in 2020 as a pure original content company working with brands.  Recent original properties have included Dear Santa, a film and then TV series for the US Postal Service, which won Best Documentary Premiere at The Heartland Film Festival and Best Feature Film at TribecaX and 5B, a documentary about the first AIDS ward in San Francisco set up by nurses, for J&J holding a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score and is included in the permanent collection at MOMA in NYC. TRAVERSE32 has multiple projects in development with top Hollywood players like Imagine Entertainment, Breakwater Studios, Blink49 and Helium and is represented by CAA.

Gaul has been working closely with McCann this past year, highlighted by his instrumental role in producing the Ilon Specht documentary for McCann and L'Oreal Paris. 

"It feels great to be back," said Gaul. "McCann builds some of the most compelling brand platforms in the world, usually through iconic advertising and experiences.  I'm excited to return to McCann and help our teams drive those platforms in new ways where entertainment becomes central to moving people towards the brands we work with."

Through these moves, McCann is taking a long tradition of working with Hollywood-level talent in campaigns and forging new creative partnerships with top-tier directors and writers for original storytelling.  The recent collaboration with Ben Proudfoot, Two-Time Academy Award®- Winning Director, on "THE FINAL COPY OF ILON SPECHT" exemplifies this approach.

McCann recently enjoyed a highly successful Cannes with a Gold Lion in Entertainment for Music for Mastercard's partnership with Lady Gaga and multiple Lions for Xbox's Cheeky Controller integration with the blockbuster movie, Deadpool & Wolverine. 

About McCann

McCann builds enduring brands and businesses that drive growth and leave a lasting impact on culture. Founded over 100 years ago and guided by the enduring brand platform, "Truth Well Told," McCann is the world's leading advertising agency network, generating some of the most creatively and commercially impactful advertising globally. McCann is the founding agency of McCann Worldgroup and part of the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE: IPG).

About TRAVERSE32

TRAVERSE32 is a New York-based global original entertainment company. Collaborating with Academy Award-winning and Emmy Award-winning filmmakers and emerging creators alike, TRAVERSE32 produces critically acclaimed, award-winning television, film and theatrical content which drives powerful connections between brands and audiences.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/brendan-gaul-named-mccanns-global-chief-entertainment-officer-302529014.html

SOURCE McCann Worldgroup

FAQ

Who is Brendan Gaul and what is his new role at McCann (IPG)?

Brendan Gaul has been appointed as McCann's Global Chief Entertainment Officer, bringing with him TRAVERSE32, an original entertainment company. He will report to Global CEO Daryl Lee while continuing to serve as Global President of TRAVERSE32.

What are some notable achievements of TRAVERSE32 under Brendan Gaul's leadership?

Under Gaul's leadership, TRAVERSE32 produced award-winning content including 'Dear Santa' for the US Postal Service and '5B' for J&J (100% Rotten Tomatoes score). Recently, they won a Cannes Lions Grand Prix for 'THE FINAL COPY OF ILON SPECHT.'

How does this appointment align with McCann's strategy?

This appointment signals McCann's focus on building brands through entertainment storytelling, bringing original content development into the heart of their global creative community and expanding their ability to create deeper connections with audiences.

What is Brendan Gaul's history with McCann (IPG)?

Gaul started his career at McCann in 2002 as an art director. He left in 2005 to build branded content units at J3, UM and IPG Mediabrands before launching TRAVERSE32 in 2020. This appointment marks his return to McCann.

Which major entertainment industry partnerships does TRAVERSE32 have?

TRAVERSE32 has projects in development with prominent Hollywood players including Imagine Entertainment, Breakwater Studios, Blink49, and Helium, and is represented by CAA.