Omnicom’s Austin, TX-based ad agency GSD&M has promoted Lee Newman to CEO, succeeding Duff Stewart, who has held the role since 2009. Stewart is shifting to the role of agency chairman.   

Newman joined the agency as president in January 2024. The move marked his return to the agency—earlier in his career he was an account director there from 2005 to 2008 when he led the BMW account. 

In between he served as managing director of Wieden & Kennedy Amsterdam, president of Ogilvy’s Chicago office and CEO of Interpublic’s MullenLowe US for eight years. 

“Honored to be named just the third CEO in the 54-year history of GSD&M,” Newman wrote on his LinkedIn page. “Thankful for the opportunity to build on the incredible legacy of the founders of this iconic agency and Duff Stewart (a real mensch). Excited to write the next chapter with this extraordinarily talented team. Let’s do this!” 

Stewart has spent most of his career at the agency, joining in 1990 on the account side. He succeeded agency co-founder Roy Spence as CEO in 2009.   

“Lee is an agency builder who quickly sees potential across capabilities and innovates to drive scale and growth,” Stewart stated when Newman rejoined the agency a little over a year ago. “He’s become a proven leader of global brands and agencies.” 

Clients include Ram and Capital One.