DDB Group Philippines begins new chapter as GGC Group Asia

DDB Group Philippines has rebranded as GGC Group Asia, marking the end of its more than three-decade association with the DDB network and the beginning of a new chapter as an independent marketing and business solutions group.

The rebrand follows Omnicom Group's decision to retire the DDB brand globally by the first half of 2026, a move announced after its acquisition of Interpublic Group last year.

Established in 1992 through a partnership between DDB Worldwide and Filipino-owned agency Advertising Marketing and Associates (AMA), DDB Group Philippines served as the local office of the global network in the Philippines for more than 30 years.

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Under its new identity, GGC Group Asia will continue to collaborate with Omnicom Group where necessary, enabling clients to maintain access to international marketing communications resources and capabilities.

According to chairman and CEO Gil G. Chua, whose initials inspired the new corporate name, the organisation views the transition as both a continuation of its legacy and an opportunity to operate independently.

“GGC Group Asia moves forward with deep gratitude for our long-standing partnership with Omnicom and DDB Worldwide - a relationship that elevated our standards, sharpened our thinking, and gave Filipino talent a global stage,” he said. “We are entering a defining chapter not by leaving something behind, but by fully coming into our own. We are embracing our future with full independence, full responsibility, and a renewed commitment to shared prosperity.”

Chua added that the move also carries personal significance after decades spent building the business.

“This rebrand is more than a change in name - it is a proud affirmation of the legacy, leadership, and vision that have guided our businesses through the years. It is incredibly rewarding and humbling to see my own initials become synonymous with the businesses that my family, our business partners, and I have passionately built, nurtured, and grown together over the years,” Chua said.

As part of the transition, several agencies within the group have adopted new identities. DDB Philippines has been renamed Velocity+, DDB MNL becomes Alab MNL, and Tribal Worldwide Philippines now operates as The Tribe.

Other communications businesses within the organisation will retain their existing brands, including Optimax Communications, Agile Intelligence, Ripple8, Touch XDA, and Bent and Buzz.

The rebrand is also accompanied by a broader organisational integration. Sister companies from the FCT Group - including FOSA, Caishen, Track Mnl, Xpress Move, Strawberry Jam, and PhilMovers - have been brought under the GGC Group Asia umbrella.

Following the consolidation, the group comprises 14 companies operating across 18 locations nationwide, employing more than 7,500 people.

The expanded structure extends the group's capabilities beyond traditional marketing communications, encompassing areas such as public relations, media planning and buying, logistics, and marketing support services. The company said the integration also strengthens its ability to support clients across wider Asian markets.

Despite the changes, GGC Group Asia emphasised that leadership, talent, client relationships, and day-to-day operations will remain unchanged. Existing contracts and service agreements will continue without disruption.

“While our name evolves, our commitment to creativity, effectiveness, and strong client partnerships remains unwavering. Our clients and partners can expect seamless continuity of service and the same standard of creative and strategic excellence that has defined the organisation from the very start,” Chua said.

Step into PR Asia Philippines 2026 on 9 September in Manila, where communications leaders will unpack the realities of trust, nationalism, misinformation, and polarisation shaping the country’s evolving narrative landscape.

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