Omnicom is making a major leadership change at the top of its advertising business, with Troy Ruhanen retiring and longtime BBDO leader Andrew Robertson stepping in as CEO of Omnicom Advertising, effective immediately.
The transition follows the integration of Omnicom Advertising after the combination of Omnicom and Interpublic, a process the company says has created a stronger foundation for its newly expanded creative organization.
Ruhanen, who has spent more than two decades in leadership roles across Omnicom, served as president and CEO of Omnicom Advertising and played a central role in uniting the combined organization.
“Troy has been an exceptional leader whose impact on Omnicom and our industry cannot be overstated,” Omnicom Chairman and CEO John Wren said. “His leadership was instrumental in bringing together our combined organization while strengthening our ability to serve clients and create opportunities for our people.”
Ruhanen said completing the integration made this the right moment to step away. “It has been the privilege of a lifetime to work alongside some of the most talented people in our industry,” he said. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together.”
Robertson moves into the role after serving as chairman of BBDO Worldwide and spending more than 20 years in leadership positions within Omnicom. He brings longstanding relationships with major global brands and extensive experience leading creative agencies and teams.
His appointment also signals where Omnicom Advertising intends to place its emphasis moving forward: protecting creativity while expanding the company’s use of AI, data and technology.
“Andrew is a proven leader with a deep understanding of Omnicom, our clients, and our industry,” Wren noted, pointing specifically to Robertson’s focus on keeping creativity at the center of the business as Omnicom continues building out its AI and technology capabilities.
Robertson was even more direct about the strategy ahead. “Our plan is clear,” he said, outlining a push to attract top creative and strategic talent and equip them with Omnicom’s Omni platform, AI-enabled tools and data in an effort to drive stronger client results.
The leadership change comes amid momentum for Omnicom Advertising. The group recently added Subway, American Express and BBVA to its client roster, while each of its three major creative networks ranked among the top 10 at Cannes Lions this year. Omnicom also says it has been named the world’s most effective holding group in the Effie Index for three consecutive years.
Omnicom Advertising now brings together global creative networks BBDO, McCann and TBWA, along with agencies including Goodby Silverstein & Partners, Deutsch, GSD&M and MARTIN.
For Robertson, the task now is less about assembling the pieces than deciding how to make them work together.
And in a holding-company landscape increasingly dominated by questions about consolidation, AI and the future of creative agencies, his message is unmistakable: technology may be changing the business, but Omnicom still wants creativity to lead it.
