He's certainly paid his dues within Foote, Cone & Belding -- and DraftFCB/Chicago, so it should come as no surprise that veteran creative leader Tom O'Keefe should now be rewarded with the new job of DraftFCB's executive creative director for North America. O'Keefe most recently was ECD for DraftFCB's Chicago and west coast operations.

The expanded job responsibilities will, most importantly, give O'Keefe oversight of the agency's New York operations as well. O'Keefe will continue to oversee the agency's Yum! Brands business, a high-profile account and one with which O'Keefe has been closely involved for many years.

O'Keefe joined FCB more than 18 years ago, and spent considerable time in both its Chicago and San Francisco outposts. He helped make Taco Bell's "Think Outside the Bun" one of the most memorable and effective taglines of recent vintage.

"Tom Has energy, passion and the ability to recognize, with an almost uncanny sensibility, a great idea," said Jonathan Harries, DraftFCB's global chief creative officer. In his new role, O'Keefe is expected to work closely with DraftFCB North American president Mark Modesto.