CEO Switch at Omnicom Advertising As Robertson Succeeds Ruhanen

Longtime Omnicom executive Troy Ruhanen, most recently President and CEO of the group’s creative advertising division Omnicom Advertising, is retiring and will be succeeded by another longtime veteran of the company Andrew Robertson, currently Chairman of BBDO Worldwide. 

Omnicom Advertising was announced in mid-2024 and took effect in January of 2025 as the company was making integration plans related to its IPG acquisition. It oversees the company’s global ad networks including BBDO, which absorbed the operations of IPG’s FCB. 

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Also part of Omnicom Advertising is TBWA, which Ruhanen ran for a decade before being elevated to run the new group. With the IPG acquisition, TBWA absorbed DDB and MullenLowe. Apple-dedicated agency Media Arts Lab is also part of TBWA. 

The Omnicom Advertising division also includes McCann as well as a group of smaller agencies known as the US Advertising Collective, including Goodby Silverstein & Partners, Deutsch and others.  

"Troy has been an exceptional leader whose impact on Omnicom and our industry cannot be overstated. His leadership was instrumental in bringing together our combined organization while strengthening our ability to serve clients and create opportunities for our people,” stated Omnicom CEO John Wren.   

Robertson joined BBDO in the UK 1995 before moving to BBDO North America in 2001 and subsequently serving as President and CEO of BBDO Worldwide from 2004 until late 2024. He transitioned to the role of Chairman in October of 2024. 

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