Rare Birds: Why So Few Women Become Ad Agency Creative Directors

Abstract: Few women reach the top levels of advertising agency creative departments, though relatively equal numbers of women and men enter the field as copywriters and art directors. This study examines why creative women have been unable to achieve the success women have seen in other agency arenas. Through 18 in-depth interviews, the study identifies numerous factors underlying the dearth of women creative directors, some of which are unique to advertising or agency creative positions.