International creative audio network Squeak E. Clean Studios has added former Leo Burnett director of music Chris Clark as executive producer of its Chicago studio. A highly accomplished director and music supervisor, Clark comes to Squeak E. Clean following 11 years as global music lead at Leo Burnett Chicago. 

In his new role, Clark will leverage his expertise spanning original music production, music strategy, artist partnerships, deal negotiation and licensing to facilitate new creative collaborations between clients and Squeak E. Clean Studios’ slate of award-winning composers, sound designers and more. He has secured track placements in content for top brands including Samsung, Nintendo, MillerCoors, P&G, McDonald’s, Allstate and Esurance.

Hamish Macdonald, managing director, Squeak E. Clean Studios, said “Chris truly understands and respects the trajectory and culture of our company as a former client; his exceptional abilities and experience will only continue to heighten Squeak E Clean’s offering to our clients.” 

At the helm of the Chicago studio, Clark joins a team of creative director Justin Hori, sr. composer Julie Nichols and lead sound engineer Surachai Sutthisasanakul.

Clark added, “At a time where audio is truly coming back to the forefront of marketing strategies for brands and CMOs, it’s a perfect point to pivot from the agency side to join what I consider one of the most innovative music companies in our space.” 

Clark’s creative achievements most notably include work on the Coors Light “Chill” campaign,  and his supervision of Samsung Global’s new product launch commercials featuring “Rocket Man” by Elton John and a cover of “Across the Universe.” Clark has also lent his musicianship to take a stand in relevant social dialogue, supervising the creation of “Put The Guns Down”--an original anti-gun violence song and accompanying video for Chicago Ideas Week--and taking an agency lead position with P&G and Free The Bid to build the largest database of woman composers to-date.

Over the years, Clark has established himself as a thought leader in the music and advertising spaces, leading panel discussions at major conferences and festivals such as the Cannes Lions, MIDEM, New York Advertising Week, SXSW and Winter Music Conference, among others.