1952 – Kellogg Company of Canada requests that Leo Burnett handle all its product advertising in a Canadian office, commencing Oct. 1. Opening its first international shop, Chicago management scouts talent and a Toronto location, settling at 170 Bay St. with a staff of 10. Later that year, Pillsbury/Green Giant joins Leo Burnett as its second client. In September, CBC launches the first TV network in Canada.

1953 – Within a year, Leo Burnett Canada achieves more than $200,000 in billings.

1954 – The office moves to 133 Richmond St. W, adding new clients Campbell Soup Company, Perth Shoes and Procter & Gamble.

1957 – The company wins Allstate Insurance.

1958 – Eldon ‘Hubie’ Sinclair is appointed the first Canadian president. Procter & Gamble Canada begins its association with Leo Burnett’s Toronto shop.

1959 – Montreal office is opened on July 1 at 550 Sherbrooke St. W. to reach the French market. When asked why, founder Leo Burnett said, ‘Canada wouldn’t be Canada without both. And Burnett wouldn’t be Burnett if it didn’t look on French-Canada respectfully.’

1960 – Procter & Gamble awards Leo Burnett their Camay Soap business.

1964 – Leo Burnett moves into new Toronto headquarters at 165 University Ave. in a 12,500 sq. ft space and 60 + people.

1965 – Leo Burnett is awarded the Maytag business.

1966 – Poppin’ Fresh, the Pillsbury Doughboy, debuts in Canadian TV spots.

1968 – Harold Johnston becomes president on the retirement of E.W. Hudson. Loss of Campbell Soup to Ogilvy & Mather due to consolidation of business.

1969 – Leo Burnett merges with London Press Exchange, becoming the fourth largest advertising company in the world. Toronto office now has billings of over $8 million.

1970 – Maurice Watier Publicite of Montreal joins Burnett International Group.

1971 – Leo Burnett dies on June 7 at age 79.

‘We were shocked to learn of Mr. Burnett’s most untimely death and wish to express our deepest sympathy and condolences. The advertising world is the poorer for it.’ Cabled to Chicago from Dentsu President Tsuneji Hibino on June 14, 1971.

1972 – Leo Burnett wins General Tire and Rubber and starts building a strong roster of Canadian clients. Original TV spots for debut of Little Green Sprout in Canada.

1974 – The Vancouver office opens with a staff of eight to handle Nissan’s Datsun car and truck lines. Green Giant consolidates its entire account with Burnett.

1975 – Art Mercer succeeds Harold Johnston as president.

1976 – Win of RCA Canada. Juno Award-winning music for Salada Tea campaign, ‘The Homecoming,’ goes platinum.

1977 – Jim McKenzie joins Leo Burnett as an account executive on the Allstate and Pillsbury businesses.

1979 – Kerry Rubie becomes president. Billings total $28 million over 20 clients. Leo is awarded the Chargex Plan account.

1981 – Leo Burnett successfully launches the Nissan brand name, replacing the well-known Datsun car and truck brand.

1982 – Glad Garbage Bag TV spot wins Gold at the Marketing Awards. Leo in negotiations with the CBC to allow a female’s bare back to be shown in a Camay commercial.

1983 – Dennis Dunlap assumes presidency from Rubie, who moves to head up new Hong Kong office. Loss of Nissan account.

1984 – Leo wins the Beatrice Foods business.

1985 – Jim McKenzie appointed SVP, director of client services.

1986 – Tony Houghton appointed CEO and chief creative officer, marking a rise in creative reputation of the agency.

1988 – Leo is awarded a portfolio of Wrigley brands.

1989 – Martin Shewchuk appointed creative director, reporting to Tony Houghton; offices move to 175 Bloor St. E. Huge procession leads staff along University to Bloor; barkeepers very happy. Leo awards Murad one of its largest-ever mural assignments for 7UP as part of the ‘Are you up for it?’ promotional campaign.

1991 – Billings surge to $135 million in the midst of a recession.

1993 — Michael Burgess performs at Leo’s ‘Brinner’ to standing ovations. Tony Houghton leaves to join Hal Riney.

1994 – Jim McKenzie appointed president & CEO.

1995 – Toronto office named Leo Burnett’s Global Agency of the Year. Formation of Interactive Marketing Services. It has 24 clients and $161 million in billings. Agency takes home 31 medals from international award shows.

1996 – Leo Burnett wins Strategy’s Agency of the Year and brings in 30 medals.

1997 – Toronto office again wins Leo Burnett’s Global Agency of the Year and is assigned a portfolio of Minute Maid brands. Leo creates one of Canada’s most-beloved commercials – Visa ‘Monkey’.

1998 – Bell Canada moves its account and Leo Burnett wins the Walt Disney World business. Leo takes two Bronze Lions at Cannes for Kellogg Special K.

1999 – Leo Burnett Canada is assigned P&G’s Cheer North American business.

2000 — Leo wins AOL Canada and Woodbine Entertainment Group business. Announcement of the formation of Starcom MediaVest Group under the Bcom3 umbrella.

2001 – Leo Burnett wins Zellers, one of Canada’s largest and most prestigious retail businesses. Gain Detergent is added to the North American Procter & Gamble portfolio. Leo launches ‘Brand Belief System (BBS)’ to codify their time-tested brand skills into a global philosophy on the art of turning buyers to believers.

2002 – Loss of Pillsbury account when it is bought by General Mills, ending a 50 year relationship. In September, Paris-based Publicis Groupe buys Bcom3, Leo Burnett’s holding company. Toronto office now has a staff of 210 employees, 21 clients and $210 million in billings. Leo celebrates its 50th year in partnership with Kellogg. Leo launches the first ever agency independent film festival in Canada, the Leo Indie, to celebrate 50 years of creativity, drawing 28 films and posters from internal teams.