Omnicom Advertising has appointed Andrew Robertson as its new CEO, with immediate effect, as Troy Ruhanen steps down from the role and retires from the company after more than two decades in senior leadership positions across the Omnicom network.
Ruhanen’s retirement follows the completion of the integration of Omnicom Advertising after Omnicom’s combination with Interpublic. The company said the integration has established a strong platform for the future growth of its advertising business.
Omnicom Chairman and CEO John Wren credited Ruhanen with playing a key role in bringing the combined organisation together and strengthening its ability to serve clients and create opportunities for employees.
“Troy has been an exceptional leader whose impact on Omnicom and our industry cannot be overstated,” Wren said. He added that Ruhanen’s leadership was instrumental in integrating the combined organisation.
Robertson, who currently serves as Chairman of BBDO Worldwide, brings more than 20 years of leadership experience within Omnicom. His experience includes managing global brands, developing client relationships and building high-performing teams.
Robertson will work alongside Ruhanen during the transition to ensure continuity as he takes over leadership of the advertising group.
Wren said Robertson’s understanding of Omnicom, its clients and the wider advertising industry would be critical as the company continues to develop its advertising operations.
The leadership transition also comes as Omnicom focuses on combining creativity, AI, technology and data across its advertising business. Robertson said his priorities would include attracting top creative and strategic talent while equipping teams with advanced AI-enabled tools and data through Omnicom’s Omni platform.
“Our plan is clear,” Robertson said, adding that the company would focus on securing leading creative and strategic talent and using AI-enabled tools and data to deliver stronger results for clients.
Ruhanen, meanwhile, said the completion of the integration marked the right time for him to retire. He expressed confidence in Robertson and the wider leadership team as they take the business forward.
