Company sets next generation of leadership; Stephen Plumlee, Barry Wacksman elevated to vice chairmen
Sean Lyons, R/GA’s U.S. president, will assume the role of global CEO on January 2, 2019. The appointment, made by R/GA founder, executive chairman, and CEO Bob Greenberg, represents the first time the CEO role will be filled by someone other than the company’s founder.
Greenberg, who founded R/GA in 1977 with his brother Richard, will continue to serve as the company’s executive chairman and has committed to staying active at the company through 2020. During that time, he will support Lyons in evolving and promoting the company’s vision for creating transformation at speed and ensure that every office in the network is able to deliver the innovative work for which the agency has become famous. Greenberg will also be a leading voice for R/GA at major industry events and with the media. He will continue to report to Michael Roth, chairman and CEO of R/GA parent company, IPG.
In his role as CEO, Lyons will assume responsibility for running the global R/GA network and guiding the company’s mission and vision. He will also lead the global executive team, drive integration of talent and capabilities across offices and regions, and oversee all company financials. Lyons will also work to ensure that R/GA continues to attract and retain world-class talent, grows its global client relationships, and works in collaboration with other Interpublic companies. Lyons will report directly to Roth.
“I could not be happier to have found both a partner and future successor in Sean,” said Greenberg. “In his eleven years with R/GA, Sean has proven himself to be a strong leader who is equal parts technologist, producer, and creative. I have every confidence that he will successfully guide the next generation of talent at R/GA and that together, they will chart a bright future.”
Lyons stated, “I am thrilled for the opportunity to lead one of the most creative and innovative companies out there. R/GA is a special place. We are built to continuously evolve and filled with an incredibly talented staff around the globe. I thank Bob for his trust and confidence in me and with the leadership team we have in place I know we will continue to help our clients transform and thrive.”
R/GA has also announced that company veterans Barry Wacksman and Stephen Plumlee have both been elevated to vice chairmen. Plumlee, who has been with the company for over 20 years, will continue to serve as the global COO and managing partner of R/GA Ventures. Wacksman, who has also been with the company for 20 years, will continue in his role as global chief strategy officer. Both will be responsible for advising Lyons and contributing to the strategic direction and growth of R/GA.
“Bob is an icon. The work he and his team have done at R/GA has helped to define the future of advertising,” said Roth. “Bob has pointed us to a place where we don’t just tell stories, we invent new businesses. Under his leadership, R/GA created some of the world’s most awarded and innovative work, and assembled a leadership team that’s the envy of the industry. Which is why we have someone as talented as Sean ready to lead this company, partnering with Stephen and Barry to ensure R/GA continues to set the highest bar possible.”
The Many Hires Jeremiah Wassom As Group Creative Director
Independent agency The Many has added Jeremiah Wassom as group creative director.
Wassom most recently worked a decade at Deutsch LA where, as SVP/creative director, he led the Taco Bell account and won new business for the agency. His agency past also includes AKQA and TBWAChiatDay. His creative work has touched the QSR, video games, automotive, fashion, and culture brand sectors. He also served eight years with the United States Marine Corps.
“Throughout his career, Jeremiah has helmed work that has not only made me personally jealous but has consistently pushed brands to show up in memorable and innovative ways,” said Josh Paialii, head of creative at The Many. “One look at his body of work and you will see his passion for storytelling and craft has raised the bar for entire categories, driving participation with many brands’ most loyal fans. Beyond being a world-class creative director and maker, Wassom is a proven team player and strategic thought leader. He’ll be a great addition to the leadership team at The Many working across all accounts. His role will be immediately felt as he guides and supports each of the creative leads in the department.”
A 20-year creative with agency, brand, and freelance experience, Wassom has forged a creative approach which focuses on crafting engaging connections rather than simply make ads. He sees the need for advertising to mean more, not simply do more.
The Many believes that true business growth is made possible by harnessing the power of participation and partners with brands to forge deeper connections with consumers, cultivate trust and loyalty, and maximize marketing spend and execution. The agency is built around a flexible model that offers a suite of capabilities, including... Read More