• by Larissa Faw , October 30, 2018

R/GA is elevating the agency's U.S. president Sean Lyons to global CEO effective Jan. 2, 2019. This announcement, made by R/GA founder/executive chairman/CEO Bob Greenberg, represents the first time this CEO role will be filled by someone other than the company’s founder.

Lyons will assume responsibility for running the global R/GA network and guiding the company's mission and vision. He will also lead the global executive team, drive integration of talent and capabilities across offices and regions, and oversee all company financials. Lyons will report directly to Michael Roth, chairman/CEO of R/GA parent company IPG. 

Greenberg, who founded R/GA in 1977 with his brother Richard, will continue to serve as the company’s executive chairman and has committed to staying active at the company through 2020. During that time, he will support Lyons in this leadership transition as well as continue to serve as a leading voice at major industry events and with the media. He will continue to report to Roth. 

“In his eleven years with R/GA, Sean has proven himself to be a strong leader who is equal parts technologist, producer, and creative," stated Greenberg. "I have every confidence that he will successfully guide the next generation of talent at R/GA and that together, they will chart a bright future.”

Concurrently, R/GA is promoting 20-year company veterans Barry Wacksman and Stephen Plumlee to vice chairmen. Plumlee will continue to serve as the global COO and managing partner of R/GA Ventures. Wacksman will continue in his role as global chief strategy officer. Both will be responsible for advising Lyons and contributing to the strategic direction and growth of R/GA.