Leo Burnett and Arc North America hired former DDB executive Patrice  Dermody as executive vice president and director of retail, a new  position created to further develop the U.S. retail marketing efforts  at the two agencies. Ms. Dermody will lead retail-oriented new business efforts and serve  as a member of Leo Burnett's U.S. executive committee. Based in  Chicago, she will report to Rich Stoddart, co-president of Leo  Burnett and Arc North America. [I've been asked to] optimize the retail practice that's already  here in this building and grow it, Ms. Dermody said. Rich and the  management team have identified retail as a key growth area for the  company and I have a passion for retail. Leo Burnett retail clients include PetSmart, McDonald's, Allstate and  Washington Mutual. Ms. Dermody's task is to bring together Leo Burnett and Arc North  America's retail services under