One of the advertising industry’s most celebrated figures is taking a step back. David Droga, CEO of Accenture Song and the creative force behind some of the most iconic campaigns of the past two decades, will officially leave his role on September 1.
Accenture announced today that Droga will become vice chair of the company, shifting his focus away from day-to-day operations.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Droga explained that his decision was driven by a desire to focus more on his philanthropic efforts, other business ventures, and simply to take a break after a long and intense career. He’ll be succeeded by Ndidi Oteh, who currently leads Accenture Song’s operations across the Americas.
“After 30-plus years of leaping, I am ready to catch my breath,” Droga said in a statement. “I’m also looking forward to spending more time suffixing—thinking, daydreaming, advising, investing, giving, mentoring, exploring, learning, playing, appreciating, family-ing, sleeping-in-ing.”
The shift marks the end of an era for one of advertising’s most admired leaders. Known for blending bold creativity with sharp business strategy, Droga has worked with powerhouse brands like Amazon, Under Armour, and Puma, and became the youngest recipient of the Cannes Lions’ Lion of St. Mark award in 2017.
Droga launched his namesake agency Droga5 in New York in 2006, following agency roles in Australia, Europe, and Asia. In 2019, he sold Droga5 to Accenture, and in 2021 he became the first CEO of Accenture Song—a tech-meets-creative initiative that unified more than 40 Accenture-owned entities under one brand. Under his leadership, the group emerged as a serious challenger to industry giants like WPP and Omnicom.
While Accenture Song declined further comment beyond the official press release, Droga’s impact on the agency world—and the cultural landscape at large—is undeniable.
Big shoes, indeed.
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