David Droga to step down as Accenture Song CEO, assumes vice chair role

In a major leadership shift, David Droga is stepping down as CEO of Accenture Song, moving into a newly created role as vice chair at Accenture. The transition marks the next chapter in one of advertising’s most storied careers, which has spanned from founding Droga5 to leading Accenture’s creative transformation.

Droga, the most awarded creative in Cannes Lions history, has built a career shaping global agencies and redefining creative leadership.

Before founding Droga5 in New York, he was the first-ever worldwide chief creative officer of the Publicis Network and was executive creative director of Saatchi & Saatchi London, regional creative director of Saatchi & Saatchi Asia and a partner and executive creative director of OMON Sydney.

His leadership at Accenture Song saw the consultancy’s creative arm grow to US$19 billion in revenue, unifying more than 40 acquisitions under a single operating model blending creativity, tech, data and AI. Under his guidance, Song won major creative accolades, including Grand Prix at Cannes and even an Emmy.

But the Australian creative export is now taking a step back from the day-to-day management of the global network he founded in 2006 and later sold to Accenture Song in 2019.

Effective September 1, 2025, Ndidi Oteh, currently Song’s Americas lead, will succeed Droga as CEO and join Accenture’s Global Management Committee. A long-time Accenture leader, Oteh has worked with Fortune 500 companies to deliver complex digital and growth transformations.

The move underscores the continued evolution of Accenture Song, which under Droga’s leadership grew from a fragmented set of acquisitions into a multi-billion creative tech powerhouse.

Julie Sweet, chair and CEO of Accenture, described Droga as a once-in-a-generation creative leader and business builder.

"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," Sweet said.

"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."

Nick Law will become the new Song creative strategy & experience lead and will also join Accenture’s GMC. His reputation as a leader and global design force has long been established.

Droga said it was the right time to pass the torch.

"It has been a privilege to be part of so many missions and cultures around the world. With such extraordinary leadership in place, it felt like the right time. I could not be more confident that Ndidi, Sean and Nick will continue building on Song's legacy of innovation, creativity, and performance. I am also deeply grateful for Julie Sweet's trust, our partnership, and what will be an enduring friendship.”

Droga's impact across the creative industry can not be overstated. As the founder of Droga5, he created one of the most admired and influential creative companies of the modern era. His eponymous agency earned “Agency of the Year” honors more than 30 times and was twice named “Agency of the Decade” by Ad Age and Adweek. It became known for work that was original, culturally resonant, and creatively fearless.

Among his most iconic campaigns were those for The New York Times, the British Army, Under Armour, Marc Ecko, Meta, Game of Thrones, UNICEF, Amazon, the NSPCC, Puma, the New York City Department of Education, Tourism Australia, JAY-Z, JPMorgan Chase and Coinbase.

These and many others helped redefine what advertising could be and should achieve in the digital age. Following its acquisition by Accenture in 2019, Droga5 became the creative cornerstone that would evolve into Accenture Song.

The reshuffle comes at a time when consultancies and holding groups are increasingly competing on the blurred lines between brand, business, and technology strategy. Droga’s new role will see him focus on broader strategic initiatives across the Accenture group.

His appointment as vice chair is effective from September.