Ray Day Takes the Helm as Executive Chairman of Allison Worldwide Amid Leadership Transition

Transition in Leadership at Allison Worldwide

Introduction

On December 2, 2024, a pivotal change in leadership was announced at Allison Worldwide, a notable global marketing and communications agency. Ray Day has stepped into the role of Executive Chairman while retaining his position at Stagwell as vice chair. This transition follows the decision of co-founders Scott Allison and Andy Hardie-Brown to step down from their executive positions, opting for advisory roles instead.

A New Era Begins

Ray Day brings with him over 30 years of extensive experience in communications, having served as a chief communications officer for major brands and agencies including Ford Motor Company and IBM. His appointment is seen as a fresh start for Allison Worldwide, which has undergone significant transformation since its inception in 2001 as Allison+Partners. Most recently, the agency rebranded itself to Allison Worldwide in 2023, reflecting its evolution from a public relations-focused firm into a modern, integrated marketing powerhouse with a global network consisting of 52 offices.

Acknowledging the Founders’ Contributions

As Day takes over leadership, it is essential to recognize the contributions made by Scott Allison and Andy Hardie-Brown, who played a vital role in building the agency into an award-winning organization. Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO of Stagwell, praised the duo for their two decades of leadership, emphasizing their remarkable ability to develop Allison Worldwide into a global agency loved by clients and employees alike. Their legacy is expected to continue as they transition into advisory roles, guiding the new leadership team.

Continued Commitment to Excellence

Speaking on the transition, Allison expressed his confidence in the agency's ongoing success. He attributed their sustained success to a focus on exemplary work and the recruitment of exceptional talent. Even as he departs from daily operations, he remains optimistic about the company's growth under Day's stewardship.

Embracing Future Growth

As Executive Chairman, Ray Day aims to foster a client-first culture that prioritizes client success. He emphasizes the importance of innovative thinking and enhancing capabilities to deliver exceptional results. Day acknowledges the legacy built by Allison and Hardie-Brown while expressing enthusiasm for the agency's future. He aims to capitalize on the enthusiastic and talented workforce at Allison Worldwide to drive sustainable growth and expansion.

The Road Ahead

Jonathan Heit, a founding member of the Allison team, continues as Global CEO, working directly with Day. Alongside their Global Board, this next generation of leaders will maintain the organization's commitment to excellence and growth, adhering to a well-established and effective operational blueprint.

In conclusion, the transition at Allison Worldwide marks a significant chapter in the agency's history. With Ray Day at the helm, supported by the legacy of Scott Allison and Andy Hardie-Brown, the agency is poised for new heights as it embraces innovation and global expansion in the ever-evolving landscape of marketing and communications. The future looks bright, and all eyes are on how Allison Worldwide will continue to make its mark in the industry with a renewed focus on driving results for its clients.