Aussie adman David Droga steps down as Accenture Song CEO

Australian adman David Droga will step down as chief executive office of Accenture Song to assume the role of vice chair of Accenture.

Australian advertising executive and outgoing global chief executive of Accenture Song David Droga. Photo: Nigel Barker

Australian advertising executive David Droga will step down from his role as chief executive office of Accenture Song to assume the role of vice chair of Accenture.

Mr Droga, who is recognised as one of the world’s most influential creative leaders, is best known for his eponymous advertising agency Droga5, which he sold to Accenture in 2019.

The creative agency became part of the integrated marketing services offering, alongside design powerhouse Fjord and UK creative agency Karmarama, which was later badged Accenture Song.

Mr Droga assumed the CEO role of Accenture Song in 2021 and has overseen the business growth to become what it claims is the world’s largest tech-powered creative company. Accenture Song reported revenues of $19bn for the fiscal year ending August 31.

He will be succeeded by Accenture Song Americas lead Ndidi Oteh, who will assume the role in September and Nick Law will become the creative strategy & experience lead for the agency.

Mr Droga told The Wall Street Journal that he had planned to retire from the business completely but was persuaded to stay on as vice chair by Accenture CEO and chair Julie Sweet.

Ms Sweet said in a statement, “David Droga has long been a singular force and a once-in-a-generation creative leader and business builder and he has lived our core value of stewardship and has developed the next generation of leaders who will build an even better Song.”

“He brings humanity, imagination, clarity, and confidence to everything he touches and helps redefine how businesses grow and connect. His brilliance is matched only by his generosity, integrity, and belief in others. As Accenture’s vice chair, his legacy and impact will continue for our people, our work, and our purpose.”

Read more on Mr Droga’s departure in Monday’s The Growth Agenda.