DDB global CEO Alex Lubar has left the network as Omnicom prepares to close its US$13.5 billion acquisition of IPG.
He joined the agency in October 2022 as president and COO, after nearly a decade at McCann Worldgroup, and became global CEO a year later.
A DDB spokesperson confirmed that Lubar is leaving the business to take up a consultancy role.
“While this marks a significant change, any further structural or leadership changes remain unconfirmed at this time,” the spokesperson told Mediaweek.
“We value Alex’s significant contribution to the network and wish him well.
“Throughout this process, we remain firmly committed to delivering the best-in-market service to our clients and support for our people.”
Lubar’s exit comes amid widespread speculation that the DDB brand could be retired as part of the holding company’s merger.
He announced his new role as CEO of New York brand consultancy Fundamentalco on LinkedIn.
Lubar described the firm as “a truly unique operation that understands the power of brand-led value creation”.
“Thank you to the unbelievable DDB community across the globe that I had the privilege of leading these last two years,” he wrote.
“Your creative genius is only outmatched by your collective grace.”
DDB has declined to comment on whether it will fill Lubar’s position.