• by Richard Whitman , Columnist, June 15, 2021

TBWA\Chiat\Day Los Angeles has promoted Erin Riley to CEO and Jen Costello to Chief Strategy Officer.  

Riley is the agency's first CEO. The CSO post was previously held by Simon Wassef.

The duo is credited with leading the agency through a year of growth and change, while dealing with the tough challenges presented by the pandemic. 

Growth was boosted by a new business win streak that included Discover, Moderna, Behr Paint, AT&T TV and Schwan’s Company, including its Red Baron and Freschetta pizza brands.  

The shop has also aggressively boosted its capabilities, including an enhance design operation that created the UN’s COVID-19 design system. Plus, it created a consultancy focused primarily on helping clients develop purpose-driven strategies and new multicultural and B2B practices. 

Riley joined TBWA\Chiat\Day LA as president in 2016 from Gap Inc., where she was vice president marketing and brand engagement. Earlier, she held senior roles at BBH, Old Navy and Cole Haan. 

Costello joined in 2013 from The Martin Agency, where she was a senior strategist. Most recently at Chiat\Day, she was head of strategy. She is credited with modernizing core strategic disciplines and adding new programs. including one that makes a certified mini-MBA available to all agency talent.