TBWA names Erin Riley global CEO

TBWA has promoted Erin Riley, the current CEO of TBWA\Chiat\Day in the US, to the role of global CEO of TBWA.

In addition, Erwan Guillou, who has been serving as TBWA\Chiat\Day's US CFO and global chief pricing officer, has been appointed as global CFO of the company.

Erwan Guillou

These changes come as Omnicom Group launches a new global entity, Omnicom Advertising Group (OAG), designed to unite its creative networks BBDO, DDB, TBWA, and several other agencies, including Goodby Silverstein & Partners, GSD&M, Merkley & Partners, and Zimmerman, under its Advertising Collective.

Riley takes over from Australian ex-pat Troy Ruhanen, the former Global CEO of TBWA, who will now lead the newly formed OAG.

Ruhanen will be joined by Deepthi Prakash as chief operating officer and Denis Streiff as global CFO, moving from his post as global CFO of TBWA.

Riley, who joined TBWA\Chiat\Day Los Angeles in 2016 as president, took over as CEO in 2021 and later became CEO of Chiat\Day US, overseeing both the New York and Los Angeles offices.

Commenting on her new role, Riley stated: "As I think about the challenges and opportunities that face our industry and our clients, TBWA is exactly where I want to be.

She added: "Over the last near decade, I have witnessed the power of  Disruption – as both a methodology and ethos – transform the fates of brands. I have also seen  brilliant fellow disruptors from across the globe lead with integrity, smarts and humanity."

Under Riley's leadership, TBWA\Chiat\Day US won clients such as Discover, Directv, Levi’s, Sephora, and Gatorade. She was recognised as a Campaign US 40 over 40 honouree in 2023.

Troy Ruhanen

Reflecting on Riley's appointment, Ruhanen said: "Erin is a powerhouse. She leads with both head and heart, with an exceptional sixth sense for what will make a difference for the brands across TBWA’s portfolio.

"She builds enviable talent pools and brings everyone along with her. With Erwan at her side, the 11,000 strong  collective is in the best possible hands."

Paul Bradbury, president and CEO of TBWA\Australia and New Zealand, added: "Australia and New Zealand has had a special working relationship with Erin and her US team over the last eight years, we are excited to see where her leadership drive for creativity and innovation excellence takes us  as a global collective over the coming years."

See also: Omnicom unites creative networks and agencies under new Omnicom Advertising Group banner

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Top Image: Erin Riley