• by Fern Siegel , November 28, 2023

GSD&M has hired Lee Newman as president, beginning in January. He reports to CEO Duff Stewart and is charged with expanding the agency's client base.

Previously, Newman was CEO of MullenLowe, responsible for creating the company's new social media and behavioral science practices. Prior to that, he spent three years as president of Ogilvy in Chicago and was managing director of Wieden & Kennedy Amsterdam.

Newman did a previous stint with the Austin-based GSD&M as SVP-group account director from 2005 through 2008, leading the BMW account.

“Lee is an agency builder who quickly sees potential across capabilities and innovates to drive scale and growth. He’s become a proven leader of global brands and agencies,” said Stewart.

Nancy Ryan, a 27-year veteran of GSD&M, has been promoted to chief client officer.

The moves follow a year of successful creative work, including the Capital One “Multiple Taylors” campaign featuring Taylor Swift and drinkware brand Stanley naming GSD&M its first TikTok agency of record.

“GSD&M is an iconic agency built on strong core values and even stronger client partnerships. One look inside reveals the creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and integrated thinking that runs through the agency,” said Newman.

GSD&M's client roster includes Southwest Airlines, U.S. Air Force, Capital One and Goodyear.