McCann Calgary Promotes Ben Archer to Managing Director

McCann Canada has appointed a new managing director of its Calgary office, promoting Ben Archer from its senior leadership team. The move sees the former vice president, director of business leadership, succeed Megan Hardisty, who is stepping down from overseeing operations. According to president Ryan Timms, this moment highlights the strength of the network within the Canadian market.

“We couldn’t be more excited to see Ben step into this role,” he says. “With deep roots in Calgary, and his hands-on leadership approach, he’s the perfect person to build on Megan’s legacy. This transition is a real testament to the depth of our leadership bench in Calgary and across the country. There’s nothing we love more than growing talent from within, and Ben’s journey is a great example of how we’re always looking to elevate people into roles where they can lead and thrive.”

A Calgary-native with over 15 years of industry experience, including leadership stints at the likes of ZGM and DDB Canada, Ben has been at McCann since early 2023, overseeing accounts including ATCO Energy, Bayer Crop Science and Petro-Canada. A firm believer in the network’s ‘Truth Well Told’ ethos, for him, the opportunity to lead “one of the most revered, iconic and important brands in the history of advertising” is a huge honour, and something which means a great deal.

“I’m excited to expand my role with McCann, alongside our stellar team and the fantastic clients we’re fortunate to serve here in Calgary,” he continues. “McCann Calgary has a strong foundation, anchored by a leadership team that is second to none, and by client relationships that span years of trust and collaboration. Together, we’re delivering some of the most effective work in the country, and our team truly is the envy of the industry. I’m looking forward to building on our recent success and shaping the next chapter of our growth.”

Specifically, the now-managing director is cognisant that the office has developed solid footing with several key national clients over the past few years, and is hoping to further develop talent and creative performance, making the agency the “obvious choice” for locally-headquartered brands – especially those with national ambition.

Moreover, with the city’s population set to hit two million in the foreseeable future, Ben describes Calgary as “having a moment”, and believes his office will only grow more important to the network’s overall narrative.

“I plan to act accordingly, to cement McCann Calgary as a nationally-consequential shop – one that contributes in a meaningful way to our national and global performance,” he explains. “Talent shouldn’t need to relocate to a larger market to do the best work of their careers. They can do that right now, right here, in Calgary.”

While the office’s continued growth is an enticing prospect for McCann Canada, the leadership team is keenly aware that future successes will have been built upon the efforts of Megan – something they’re eager to thank her for.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the transformative impact she’s had on the Calgary office,” Ryan says. “Her leadership has truly evolved the business; she’s strengthened our presence in Western Canada, built strong relationships with clients, and driven growth with vision and integrity. Having her return to Calgary and lead the team over the past three years has been an incredible asset to our business at large. Her impact will be felt for years to come, and we can’t thank her enough for everything she’s done.”

Echoing the praise, Ben reflects that he was Megan’s first key hire, and that it’s been a privilege to work so closely together. However, he adds that he’ll be looking to bring his own sense of vision and clarity to the role, and will seek to strike the best of both worlds going forward.

“Some things will change and some things won't,” he notes. “My three focus areas are: the team, our clients, and the work. I value culture, clarity, and highly-creative, impactful work. I’m looking forward to forging deeper relationships with our clients, continuing the development of our team, and making the best work of my life.”

This ambition is something which Megan has full confidence in. Reflecting on her decision to leave Calgary and step away from the agency, she affirms that Ben is the right person to take over, and that she’s excited to see how everything unfolds.

“I'm incredibly proud of what we’ve built together over the last three years, from assembling a new team to achieving exceptional growth and creative success,” she concludes. “It’s been a privilege to lead through meaningful change, and I’m grateful for the trust and support I've received along the way.

“From the start, my goal was to help build a leadership team in Calgary that would champion the next chapter of the agency, and there’s no better time to hand the reins over to Ben. Ben is a thoughtful, passionate leader who deeply understands the business, the people, and the opportunity ahead. I can’t wait to see how he and the team continue to better the agency in this next chapter.”