Prior to Deutsch, Ansari led the ABI portfolio for FCB New York, where she created Michelob Ultra Courtside with the NBA and Microsoft, helped launch Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer at the Super Bowl and, most recently, Michelob Ultra’s acclaimed “McEnroe vs. McEnroe,” which picked up a Sports Emmy earlier this year.
Ansari has also held creative positions at Johannes Leonardo, Grey Group, Leo Burnett, TBWA\Chiat\Day and JWT in New York, Saatchi & Saatchi in Paris, and Young & Rubicam and Cummins&Partners in Australia. She has worked with brands including Wheat Thins, Virgin Airlines, Pringles, Bose, Gap and Mike’s Hard Lemonade. “U by Kotex” is one of Samira’s most memorable campaigns, having helped change the way sanitary products are marketed to women.
In 2022, Ansari was named one of Adweek’s Creative 100, and her work has been repeatedly recognized by award shows including Cannes Lions, D&AD, Effies, ADC and The One Show. She has also served on many industry juries over the years, including this year at Cannes for Print and Publishing and Cannes Young Lions.
Ansari sees tremendous opportunity at Ogilvy, which is why she moved from Deutsch despite loving her time at the agency. She added that being there made her love being a CCO, and it provided her with a strong foundation for next-level creative leadership.
“I walked away with a Sports Emmy this year. That really changed how I think about our industry, and then to see Ogilvy’s Dove work just earn an Emmy nomination as well—there’s so much opportunity to affect culture and put brands in the middle of all the action. The lines are so blurry, and that excites me. I can only imagine what we can continue to do at Ogilvy. Selfishly, I want an Oscar next, so let’s start there,” said Ansari.
While she was at Deutsch for less than two years, she made an impact at the agency, according to its CEO.
“Sami’s departure marks a bittersweet moment for our team. We weren’t looking for an established CCO but for someone who was ready to take that next step in their career. We recognized Sami’s brave creative pedigree and leadership potential, and offered her a seat at the table. Over the past year I’ve worked alongside her as she worked hard and led with conviction. I’ve watched her confidence soar; it has been truly remarkable. Being the springboard for such massive talent, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and we wish her success in this next chapter of her career,” said Val DiFebo, CEO of Deutsch NY, in a statement.