DDB Unveils Strategic Transformation with Elevated North America Leadership

DDB’s new leadership organisation is breaking down silos and fostering deeper integration across its agencies to better address the needs of a rapidly evolving marketplace. 

At the heart of this transformation are three of DDB’s highly awarded agencies, all with unique creative strengths: alma, the lauded multicultural specialist; DDB Chicago, renowned for unlocking growth across the heart of America; and adam&eveDDB, a leading creative boutique with a challenger spirit. The goal of this is to nurture and protect the environment that made these agencies sharp, while establishing leadership that is responsible for encouraging seamless collaboration across their Chicago, New York, Miami, and San Francisco teams to tackle client challenges and uncover new opportunities. 

To support this growth and deliver on DDB’s vision for the future, we’re pleased to announce key leadership updates:

• Caroline Winterton has been elevated to the role of North American CEO, bringing her vision, passion, and leadership to all NA agencies. Under Caroline’s leadership, DDB has experienced a period of remarkable creative success, attracting high-profile clients while growing the talent base across North America.
• Isaac Mizrahi expands his role as chief operating officer, continuing to lead alma while operationalizing DDB’s new approach.
• Laura Cona steps into the role of chief growth and marketing officer, bringing an exceptional track record of developing bold, effective growth strategies and driving industry-wide success.
• Micheline Lewis will continue amplifying the network’s approach to identifying and nurturing the industry’s top creative makers and shapers as chief people officer, Americas.
• The team is rounded out by DDB veteran Justin Gee as chief financial officer, respectively and global leaders, Chaka Sobhani, global president and chief creative officer, and Tomas Gonsorcik, global chief strategy officer, whose combined focus on creativity and strategy ensures that the agency is primed to deliver transformative solutions for new and existing clients.

“Since its founding, DDB has always been about moving people emotionally. There’s a great Bernbach quote that is ‘unless you feel it, nothing will happen,” said Caroline Winterton, CEO, DDB North America. “That notion is as alive today as it's ever been, and one of the last unfair advantages marketers have as they navigate a world of automation and AI. But what motivates one group to act can be very different from the next. This strategic shift ensures access to an expanded pool of talent for our clients.”

“America’s diversity is one of its greatest assets, and also one of its biggest opportunities for marketers,” said Isaac Mizrahi, COO of DDB North America. “With 40% of the U.S. population identifying as multicultural – and projections showing this will reach over 50% by 2044 – now is the time for brands to reflect the world as it is today. Our approach ensures that clients can connect with audiences authentically while delivering impactful, resonant work.”

For DDB, multicultural audiences are not an afterthought—they are at the core of our services and strategies. This new structure embeds diversity into every aspect of the work, empowering brands to connect authentically as clients seek more inclusive perspectives and innovative solutions. 

"With this incredible leadership team in place, we are excited about the future of DDB North America," said Alex Lubar, global CEO, DDB Worldwide. "Our unified approach will allow us to build on our creative momentum and continue driving results for our clients, while unlocking new growth opportunities for our teams."

This transformation comes at an exciting time for DDB. The agency has been consistently ranked among the top three networks at the Effies and Cannes Lions, recently launched iconic holiday campaigns for Disney and Kroger, further solidifying the agency's reputation for delivering emotionally resonant work that drives results, and picked up new assignments from clients like Disney, L’Oreal, Columbia Sportswear, Bimbo Bakeries, Gatorade, Puma, and Smithfield.