Clayco Taps Former World Business Chicago Head To Lead Chicagoland Region

Clayco has hired former World Business Chicago President and CEO Michael Fassnacht to serve as its Chicagoland region president as well as its first chief growth officer. 

Fassnacht will oversee all aspects of Clayco's Chicagoland operations, including business development, marketing and sales, the company announced Monday. As the chief growth officer, he will support all organizational units to help elevate Clayco’s business-to-business marketing efforts. 

The move signifies Clayco’s commitment to growth in Chicago, Clayco founder and Executive Chairman Bob Clark said in a release. 

“Michael brings an unmatched passion for business growth, an understanding of the economic ecosystem in Chicagoland as well as a strategic and creative mindset that will be highly beneficial for our clients and our Clayco team,” Clark said. “His success as a corporate leader, an entrepreneur and a civic spokesperson for the city and region is a rare combination that we cherish at Clayco.”

Fassnacht has nearly 20 years of experience in Chicago, including a tenure as the CEO of the global advertising firm Foote, Cone & Belding, and a stint as the chief marketing officer for the City of Chicago.

Fassnacht took over as WBC's interim CEO in 2020 and got the permanent role in 2021. He also served as the city's first chief marketing officer, tasked by the Lori Lightfoot administration with shepherding the city through the aftermath of pandemic business closures.

The industry veteran announced his resignation from World Business Chicago last December. He will remain on its board of directors to help find his replacement.

The well-known Chicago executive serves on numerous civic boards, including the Chicago Public Library Foundation, the Civic Consulting Alliance and the Poetry Foundation. 

“It’s a privilege to join the Clayco team. I am excited to bring my expertise, passion, and drive to the organization,” Fassnacht said in the release. “I love building teams, communities, purpose, and strategies and I love physical buildings, all with the north star of creating stronger and more inclusive communities based on a foundation of economic success and growth.”