Two of the Midwest’s most respected agencies are officially joining forces. Doner and Colle McVoy have formed DonerColle Partners, a new Stagwell-backed collective designed to help national brands win where America actually lives—between the coasts.
Positioned as a strategic alliance rather than a traditional merger, DonerColle Partners brings together more than 500 employees across Detroit, Minneapolis, and Chicago. The goal is scale without sameness: deeper collaboration, expanded creative and media capabilities, and modern production infrastructure, all while preserving each agency’s individual culture, leadership, and client relationships.
The move reflects a broader industry shift as the Midwest increasingly asserts itself as a demographic and cultural bellwether. DonerColle Partners is leaning into that reality, positioning the region not as flyover territory, but as a center of creative gravity grounded in real-world consumer insight.
“These agencies have a proven ability to combine mainstream marketing with modern techniques and strong client relationships that drive real results,” said Mark Penn, chairman and CEO of Stagwell. “Together, we’re creating a combined offering that honors that legacy while embracing the future.”
Leadership of the new entity will be shared by Jessica Henrichs, serving as CEO, and David DeMuth, who steps into the role of executive chairman. Both emphasized that the partnership is rooted as much in values as in operational efficiency.
“The Midwest isn’t just where we’re based; it’s who we are,” said DeMuth. “There’s a work ethic and sense of purpose here that shows up every day—for our clients, our people, and the brands we help build.”
Doner brings deep strength in strategy, integrated production, and award-winning creative across automotive, retail, CPG, healthcare, and technology. Colle McVoy adds national recognition for media, design, PR, and fully integrated campaigns, particularly in CPG, QSR, lifestyle, retail, and agriculture.
“This partnership is about more than strength and scale,” Henrichs said. “It’s about rethinking how agencies come together to better serve America’s most iconic brands.”
DonerColle Partners’ combined client roster includes Stellantis, The UPS Store, Dairy Queen, La-Z-Boy, The Coca-Cola Company, 3M, Hackensack Meridian Health, Perdue Farms, and McCormick & Company. Integration begins immediately, with a phased rollout of shared operations, teams, and branding planned throughout 2026.
In an industry long dominated by coastal gravity, DonerColle Partners is making a confident counter-move—one rooted in modern creativity, cultural relevance, and a distinctly Midwestern point of view.
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