McCann joined Starcom, then part of Leo Burnett, in 1978, becoming a vice-president in 1988, media director in 1989 and taking up the role of chief executive for Starcom North America in 1999.
She was promoted to her present role at the Publicis-owned media agency in October last year, overseeing $18bn in client billings and a workforce of around 4,500 people.
Beyond accolades from the ad industry, including Cannes Lions, McCann has been named one of the 50 women to watch in corporate America by The Wall Street Journal, one of five women to watch by Fortune magazine in 2004, and one of Ebony magazine's 57 most intriguing black people in 2002.
McCann said: "As a juror last year, I experienced the rigour and debate that goes into selecting the best contact plans in the world, and I am thrilled to bring that perspective to the jury room this year."
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