Louisville, KY-based agency Doe-Anderson has reorganized its leadership ranks, naming John Birnsteel CEO. Birnsteel, who previously served as Chief Operating Officer at the agency succeeds Todd Spencer, who held the titles Chairman, president and CEO becomes Executive Chairman.  

Also, Chief Creative Officer Leyla Touma Dailey, who joined two years ago from Y&R, assumes the additional role of President alongside Lee Dorsey, formerly senior vice president, Director of Innovation and now President/Chief Operating Officer.   

Rounding out the new leadership team: executive vice president /controller Brittany Campisano who becomes Chief Financial Officer, and executive vice president/managing director Matt Woehrmann, who becomes Chief Client Officer. That position is new. He joined from McCann in 2021.     

Founded in 1915, the agency is one of the oldest independent shops in the industry. It has worked with spirits brand Maker’s Mark for 50 years, as well as clients like Carrier and Roto-Rooter.   

Birnsteel, who began his career at Doe-Anderson and later became a brand strategist and consultant at FutureBrand in London, returned to the agency 10 years ago. His appointment as CEO marks just the seventh time the title has been awarded in the agency’s 108 years.  

Spencer said, “We believe leadership stability with the right leaders and the ability to carefully plan smooth successions have been key to our success. Now it’s time to write the next chapter with a blended team of leaders who have helped drive the agency’s success and new perspectives from those who have opted for a smaller, independent agency culture and the opportunities that offers.”  

Birnsteel noted, “There is a reason why our clients stay with us and why employee tenure is eight years, three times the industry average. Our agency has a unique culture and is well poised for future growth. I could not be more excited about this new role and all that’s yet to come.”  

Along with the management reorganization the agency has developed a new website and visual brand identity.  

The developments follow a big year at the agency for new business including being named Social AOR for Roto-Rooter, creative AOR for EvoShield (a division of Wilson Sporting Goods), as well as assignments from brands such as Stewart Pet, Louisville Gas & Electric, and Louisville Tourism. 

The new team is pictured above (L to R): Spencer, Dorsey, Dailey, Woehrmann, Campisano and Birnsteel.