International agency BBDO Worldwide has named current president and CEO Andrew Robertson as its new chairman, with Nancy Reyes lined up to replace him.

Taking up his new role effective 1 October, Robertson is a bona fide agency veteran having served the Omnicom-owned agency as president and CEO for the last 20 years.

The move will see BBDO Worldwide’s regional Americas CEO Nancy Reyes take up Robertson’s current duties upon his ascension, having only joined the group in October last year.

“We have been extremely lucky to have an industry titan at the helm of BBDO for over two decades,” Omnicom chairman and CEO, John Wren said.

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“Andrew’s passion for the business was felt by his people and clients alike, always hands on to ensure the network maintained its industry leading standards of creativity. We are grateful he will continue to guide the network in his new role as chairman and are excited for Nancy to take the reins as CEO as she propels BBDO into the future.”

Prior to her switch to BBDO, the American had held various senior leadership roles at fellow New York-based Omnicom agency TBWA, after beginning her career with Ogilvy almost 30 years ago.

Robertson added: “When Nancy joined last year as CEO of The Americas, I’m sure it was clear to all what the plan was. In the time since, she has proven to be exactly what I expected – a decisive and fast-acting leader with a clear point of view on where we need to go as a network, resilience, a sense of humour, and a relentless drive to bring great work to our clients that drives their businesses. Nancy has made this decision very easy for me.”

“I want to be clear. I have no plan to retire. As chairman I will be here to help Nancy in whatever ways I can, to coach our people, and to work with our clients, something I have always loved doing.”