Dentsu Aegis Network announces CEO Jerry Buhlmann to step down and Tim Andree to combine Executive Chairman and CEO roles

Dentsu Aegis Network announces CEO Jerry Buhlmann to step down

14th November, London: Dentsu Aegis Network today announces that Jerry Buhlmann is stepping down after nine years as CEO, firstly of Aegis Group plc, and then for the last six years at Dentsu Aegis Network. Tim Andree, Executive Chairman of Dentsu Aegis Network, and Member of the Board and Executive Vice President of Dentsu Inc., will combine the CEO role with his current duties.

Jerry joined Aegis Group plc in 1999, becoming CEO in 2010 and then CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network in March 2013 after the acquisition of Aegis Group plc by Dentsu Inc.

Jerry will formally step down as CEO on 31 December 2018 and continue to work as a special advisor to Dentsu Inc. in 2019. 

Jerry Buhlmann, CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network, said: 

“After nine years as CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network and before that Aegis Group plc, I am very proud of what the organisation has achieved in that time. The highlight for me has been working with a group of very talented people and the impact we have been able to make based on strong team work, a supportive parent company and a dynamic culture. 

“Importantly at this time, the quality of the Executive Management Team is exceptional, the business has strong momentum and I’m confident will continue to thrive and grow strongly at a time of disruptive change in the market. Dentsu Aegis Network is a critical part of the Dentsu Group’s growth story and with Yamamoto-san leading the Group and Tim Andree leading Dentsu Aegis Network, I have no doubt that the future will be very bright as the business moves to the next phase of its development."

Toshihiro Yamamoto, Representative Director, President and CEO of Dentsu Inc. said: 

“From the start, Jerry has had a bold vision for Dentsu Aegis Network. His drive and leadership has ensured that Dentsu’s acquisition of Aegis Group plc has been an outstanding success. Dentsu Aegis Network is today a highly-integrated and highly-competitive global marketing service group built for the digital economy. Since 2013, Dentsu Aegis Network has doubled its revenues from £1.8bn to £3.6bn and grown organically at twice the rate of its competitors. The Dentsu Board thanks Jerry for this great contribution and leadership.

“I am delighted to appoint Tim as Jerry’s successor. Ever since joining Dentsu in 2006, Tim has led the globalization of the Dentsu Group. As a member of the Dentsu Inc. Board and also the Executive Chairman of Dentsu Aegis Network, Tim has a deep understanding of the business’s market proposition, culture and values.” 

Tim Andree, Executive Chairman of Dentsu Aegis Network, and Director and Executive Vice President of Dentsu Inc. said: 

“The remarkable growth and momentum of Dentsu Aegis Network is a credit to Jerry and the deep and broadly talented management team that has been cultivated. I have worked hand in hand with Jerry and the management team over the years and for this reason, the Dentsu Aegis Network management will move to the next stage with strong continuity and stability. We will continue to evolve as the most collaborative of networks known for its creativity, client focus and innovation.” 

Dentsu Aegis Network 2013 – 2018

• Revenues doubled from £1.8bn to £3.6bn (FY17)
• Organic revenue growth rate at 2.2 times the average of its competitors
• Average annual total revenue growth rate of 15% 
• Strong new business performance. 2017 was a record year for net new business reaching £5.2billion. New clients in the past year include P&G, LVMH, JLR, AB Inbev, Intel and United Airlines
• 179 new acquisitions and investments, including the transformational acquisition of Merkle in 2016
• Over 60% of revenues from digital activities
• Contributes over 60% of Dentsu Inc’s revenues (FY18e)

‑ ENDS ‑

For further information contact:

Andrew Moys
Chief Communications Officer
T: +44 7970 123682
E: andrew.moys@dentsuaegis.com

Ian Barber
Global Head of Corporate Communications
T: +44 7980 944724
E: ian.barber@dentsuaegis.com

About Dentsu Aegis Network

Part of Dentsu Inc., Dentsu Aegis Network is made up of ten global network brands - Carat, Dentsu, dentsu X, iProspect, Isobar, mcgarrybowen, Merkle, MKTG, Posterscope and Vizeum and supported by its specialist/multi-market brands. Dentsu Aegis Network is Innovating the Way Brands Are Built for its clients through its best-in-class expertise and capabilities in media, digital and creative communications services. Offering a distinctive and innovative range of products and services, Dentsu Aegis Network is headquartered in London and operates in 145 countries worldwide with more than 40,000 dedicated specialists.