180 Global CEO Sander Volten Announces Departure After 8 Successful Years

180 Global, the Omnicom-owned creative boutique with offices in LA, New York, and Amsterdam, today announced that Sander Volten, its chief executive officer, will be stepping down from his role at the end of 2024. 

After eight transformative years with the award-winning agency, Sander has decided to pursue new opportunities outside the advertising industry.

During his tenure, 180 Global achieved substantial growth both in terms of the agency’s business and its capabilities. The agency opened a New York office in 2021 and established bespoke partnerships with sister Omnicom agency, TBWA, in several markets including MENA and APAC. It broadened its capabilities beyond famous TV work to encompass world-class digital strategy, digital innovation, brand activation and social-first brand building. This shift led to the opening of several specialist units including upstream brand consultancy 180 Thinking, 180 Social to service social-first brand building and 180 LUXE to support luxury clients. The agency has consistently created award-winning work too; carrying off top honours at Cannes Lions, D&AD, EPICA, Eurobest and One Show for clients ranging from Playstation to Pepsico and Qatar Airways. 180’s portfolio now includes long standing clients like DHL and Pepsico as well as many luxury and premium brands including Club Med, BMW, Dior, Omega and COTY. In addition, last year the agency welcomed back founding client adidas to the fold.

Reflecting on his decision, Sander said, "It has been an extraordinary journey leading 180 over the past eight years. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, continuously pushing the boundaries of creativity, and working with extraordinary colleagues and clients who share our vision to see the world as it could be. As I look toward the next chapter, I’m excited to explore new opportunities and find my own World As It Could Be."

Troy Ruhanen, CEO of TBWA Global and soon to take up his role as CEO of the Omnicom Advertising Group, expressed his deep gratitude for Sander’s contribution, “Sander has led a wonderful chapter at 180. He has an exceptional ability to get the best out of the talent and see what is possible for them and in turn, our clients. In Stephen and AG, he has once again used that vision to find just the right leaders for 180’s next phase and he leaves the business set up for a bright future. I’d like to thank him for the last eight years and wish him well in whatever he chooses next. It is bound to be a success.”

From January 2025, 180’s global leadership will sit between its hubs in the US and Amsterdam led by US CEO, Agathe Guerrier, who took up the role in 2021 having previously been the CSO for TBWA Worldwide, and Stephen Corlett who was appointed CEO of the Amsterdam office in January 2024.