Nancy Reyes is moving from one Omnicom agency to another, taking the CEO of the Americas role at BBDO, reporting to BBDO Worldwide CEO Andrew Robertson.
Reyes is replacing St. John Walshe, who is leaving BBDO after 27 years at the agency, rising from account executive to CEO of the Americas and worldwide board member.
Reyes was previously CEO of TBWA\Chiat\Day New York, a position she held since April 2021 after being elevated from president. She started at the agency in 2016 as managing director. Reyes also held positions at Goodby Silverstein & Partners, where she spent over 12 years, Ogilvy, D’Arcy Advertising and Verizon.
Reyes has been the driver of significant growth in the agency in recent years, gaining double digits since 2016 and contributing to TBWA being named Adweek’s Global Agency of the Year 2022.
“TBWA has been nothing short of an experience of a lifetime. I have learned so much and been consistently inspired by the creativity, passion and strategic vision of the collective. TBWA\Chiat\Day NY will always hold the most special place in my heart. The people are everything and I leave knowing that they are in the hands of some of the best leaders in the business. I am grateful beyond words to (TBWA global CEO) Troy Ruhanen and the entire TBWA family,” said Reyes in a statememt.
In her new role at BBDO, Reyes will oversee the BBDO network in the U.S. and Canada as well as markets in Latin America.
“Nancy is obsessed with talent development—she founded a program called Circle of Women to coach and prepare women, half of whom are women of color, for the C-suite. She is obsessed with clients and their businesses. And she is obsessed with the importance of great work and its contribution to those businesses,” said Robertson in a statement.
In recent years, Reyes has worked to drive greater inclusivity and innovation across the agency landscape. She was a founding member of Times UP and an Adcolor Legend in 2021 and recently, she was appointed to the Fast Company Impact Council board. In addition, she chairs the board of Creative Ladder and is a director of The Ad Council, The Ad Club of NY, Rare Disease Renegades and Prep for Prep.
“Nancy’s impact on Chiat\Day\New York can’t be overstated,” said Ruhanen in a statement. “The difference in the agency from the day she joined, to today, is nothing short of incredible. In her time at the helm, she has built an incredibly talented senior leadership team that I have every confidence will carry on the great work she has started.”
Ruhanen said that TBWA is finalizing its plans for the agency and will be sharing them in the coming weeks.