Omnicom names Andrew Robertson CEO of advertising as Troy Ruhanen retires

NEW YORK: Omnicom is reshuffling the leadership of its advertising business, with Andrew Robertson taking over as chief executive officer as Troy Ruhanen retires after more than two decades in leadership roles across the group.

Omnicom said the transition follows the successful integration of Omnicom Advertising after the combination of Omnicom and Interpublic, which has created a new foundation for the group’s advertising operations.

Ruhanen, who has served as president and CEO of Omnicom Advertising, will retire following a career spanning more than 20 years at Omnicom. During his tenure, he played a key role in bringing together the combined advertising organisation and strengthening its client offering.

“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 organisation while strengthening our ability to serve clients and create opportunities for our people,” said Omnicom chairman and CEO John Wren.

Robertson, who was previously chairman of BBDO Worldwide, has been appointed CEO of Omnicom Advertising with immediate effect. He brings more than two decades of experience within Omnicom, along with relationships with major global brands and a track record of building high-performing teams.

Robertson will work alongside Ruhanen during the transition to ensure a smooth handover.

Wren said Robertson’s understanding of Omnicom, its clients and the advertising industry would be important as the group develops its advertising operations, particularly as it expands its use of AI and technology.

The leadership change comes as Omnicom Advertising points to a strong run for its creative networks. The group recently added Subway, American Express and BBVA as clients, while all three of its creative networks placed in the top 10 at Cannes Lions this year.

Omnicom Advertising has also been named the world’s most effective holding group in the Effie Index for three consecutive years. Its agencies have additionally featured among Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies for the past eight years.

Ruhanen said his retirement comes at a natural point following the completion of the integration.

“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to work alongside some of the most talented people in our industry. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. With the integration complete, this is the right moment for me to retire,” said Troy Ruhanen.

For Robertson, the next phase will centre on creativity, talent and technology. He said the group would focus on attracting leading creative and strategic talent and equipping them with AI-enabled tools and data through Omni.

“Our plan is clear,” said Andrew Robertson. “Secure a disproportionate share of the world’s most exciting creative and strategic minds, equip them through Omni with the industry’s most advanced AI enabled tools and data, to deliver exceptional results for a client list that is the envy of our competitors.”

With the integration phase now complete, Robertson takes charge of Omnicom Advertising at a time when the industry is increasingly balancing creative firepower with AI-driven capabilities.