Former DDB Toronto managing director Megan Hardisty is returning to her hometown of Calgary to become managing director of McCann Canada’s office there.
Hardisty spent the past two years with DDB, and prior to that was general manager of Red Magnet—the unit created by Omnicom in 2018 to handle the Rogers Communications assignment. That unit was disbanded when the telco shifted its assignment to WPP in 2020.
McCann Canada president Ryan Timms said in a release that there was immediate chemistry with Hardisty, while her experience leading teams and being a “true partner” to clients were also factors in her hire.
“Her ambition to consistently deliver world-class creative solutions for clients is in lockstep with all of us at McCann,” he said. “She’s the sort of person who really leads by example—sleeves rolled up, working shoulder to shoulder to get it done. And her pride in being from Calgary and enthusiasm for helping our teams and clients continue to thrive there is just so important.”
Hardisty said that McCann holds a unique position in Calgary with what she described as “an impressive and significant” client roster.
McCann’s Calgary office employs approximately 50 people, servicing key accounts including Bayer, Western Canada Lotteries, AGLC, Play Alberta, Alberta New Home Warranty, Suncor and the Canadian Lung Association.
“[I] love the creative ambition and forward-thinking spirit of our leadership team in Toronto and in Calgary,” she said. “There’s a palpable energy and creative drive at McCann that I’m really excited to be a part of.”
After earning a degree in psychology at McGill University, Hardisty started her career working at digital and creative boutiques in Canada, moving across project management, strategy and account director roles. Her career has also included stops in Montreal and Vancouver.
She has worked with brands including Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Dell, L’Oréal Paris, Campbell’s, and HSBC, and has extensive experience with Canadian clients including RBC, Standard Life, Blue Cross, and ATB Financial.
