Some of the world’s most influential advertising agencies did not begin as large corporate entities or global networks. They began as the visions of individual advertisers—creative thinkers, strategists, and leaders who believed advertising could be smarter, more creative, and more effective. These founders did more than start businesses; they created institutions that shaped modern marketing, branding, and communications.

Advertising agencies founded by famous advertisers became incubators of ideas, talent, and culture. They established creative standards, introduced new agency models, and defined how brands communicate with audiences across generations. Many of these agencies remain dominant today, while others live on through mergers and legacy influence.

This article explores the most important advertising agencies founded by famous advertisers, examining who founded them, why they were created, and how they influenced the global advertising industry.

Why Famous Advertisers Founded Their Own Agencies

Many legendary advertisers founded agencies because they wanted freedom—freedom from conservative clients, rigid structures, or outdated thinking.

Common motivations included:

• Creative independence

• Control over strategic direction

• Dissatisfaction with existing agency models

• Desire to elevate advertising standards

• Entrepreneurial ambition

Founding an agency allowed these advertisers to turn philosophy into practice.

Ogilvy & Mather – Founded by David Ogilvy

Founder: David Ogilvy
Founded: 1948
Headquarters: New York City

Ogilvy & Mather is one of the most iconic advertising agencies in history. David Ogilvy founded the agency with a clear belief: advertising should be disciplined, research-based, and respectful of the consumer.

Ogilvy emphasized:

• Clear, persuasive copy

• Brand consistency

• Consumer research

• Long-term brand building

Under his leadership, Ogilvy & Mather became known for iconic campaigns and strong global expansion. The agency helped define professional advertising standards and remains influential today.

BBDO – Shaped by Bill Bernbach

Founders: William Batten, George Batten, Bill Bernbach
Founded: 1948

While not the sole founder, Bill Bernbach was the creative force who defined BBDO’s identity and legacy. Bernbach revolutionized advertising by pairing copywriters and art directors and emphasizing emotional truth over hard selling.

BBDO became synonymous with:

• Creative excellence

• Emotional storytelling

• Cultural relevance

The agency’s work reshaped global advertising and inspired generations of creatives.

Leo Burnett Worldwide – Founded by Leo Burnett

Founder: Leo Burnett
Founded: 1935
Headquarters: Chicago

Leo Burnett founded his agency during the Great Depression with a belief that advertising should celebrate humanity and simplicity. He introduced character-driven branding, using symbols and mascots to build emotional connections.

Key contributions include:

• Brand personality

• Storytelling through symbolism

• Human-centered marketing

Leo Burnett Worldwide grew into one of the largest agency networks in the world, shaping brand storytelling globally.

Saatchi & Saatchi – Founded by Maurice and Charles Saatchi

Founders: Maurice Saatchi, Charles Saatchi
Founded: 1970
Headquarters: London

Saatchi & Saatchi disrupted the advertising industry with bold creativity and aggressive global expansion. The Saatchi brothers believed advertising should provoke thought and emotion.

The agency became known for:

• Politically influential campaigns

• Striking visual creativity

• Rapid international growth

Saatchi & Saatchi’s rise symbolized the globalization of advertising.

DDB – Doyle Dane Bernbach

Founders: Bill Bernbach, Ned Doyle, Maxwell Dane
Founded: 1949

DDB is one of the most influential agencies ever founded. Bill Bernbach’s role was central in shaping its philosophy.

DDB pioneered:

• Creative collaboration

• Honest, human messaging

• Cultural relevance

The agency’s work helped define the Creative Revolution of the 1960s and remains influential in modern advertising.

JWT – J. Walter Thompson

Founder: James Walter Thompson
Founded: 1864

JWT is one of the oldest advertising agencies in the world. J. Walter Thompson professionalized advertising by introducing structured roles, market research, and global expansion.

JWT innovations included:

• Account management systems

• Market research departments

• International agency networks

JWT set the foundation for modern agency operations.

Young & Rubicam – Founded by Raymond Rubicam

Founder: Raymond Rubicam
Founded: 1923

Raymond Rubicam believed advertising should combine creativity with research. Young & Rubicam became known for disciplined creativity and brand strategy.

The agency emphasized:

• Consumer insights

• Clear brand positioning

• Long-term effectiveness

Y&R influenced both creative and strategic thinking in advertising.

Grey Advertising – Founded by Lawrence Valenstein

Founder: Lawrence Valenstein
Founded: 1917

Grey Advertising focused on strategic communication and corporate branding. The agency helped expand advertising beyond consumer goods into corporate identity and public relations.

Grey’s influence included:

• Corporate communications

• Brand architecture

• Strategic messaging

McCann Erickson – Founded by Harrison McCann

Founder: Harrison McCann
Founded: 1902

McCann Erickson grew into a global powerhouse by focusing on international coordination and consistent messaging.

The agency was known for:

• Global brand campaigns

• Structured account management

• Long-term client relationships

McCann helped establish the global advertising network model.

Wieden+Kennedy – Founded by Dan Wieden and David Kennedy

Founders: Dan Wieden, David Kennedy
Founded: 1982
Headquarters: Portland

Wieden+Kennedy represents a modern evolution of agency founding. Dan Wieden believed advertising should be culturally embedded, emotionally authentic, and creatively fearless.

The agency is known for:

• Strong brand purpose

• Cultural relevance

• Creative independence

It challenged traditional agency hierarchies and inspired modern creative culture.

TBWA – Founded by Bill Tragos, Claude Bonnange, Uli Wiesendanger, Paolo Ajroldi

Founded: 1970

TBWA became famous for its Disruption® philosophy, which emphasized breaking category conventions.

The agency’s founders believed innovation required challenging industry norms, a principle still used in modern brand strategy.

How These Agencies Changed Advertising

Agencies founded by famous advertisers transformed the industry in several ways:

• Elevated creative standards

• Introduced strategic frameworks

• Professionalized agency structures

• Expanded global advertising

• Influenced culture and society

Their founders’ philosophies became institutional values.

Legacy Through Mergers and Networks

Many founder-led agencies later merged into holding companies. While ownership changed, their philosophies often remained embedded in agency culture.

This legacy continues to shape modern marketing organizations.

Lessons for Modern Agency Founders

The success of these agencies reveals common lessons:

• Strong philosophy matters

• Culture drives creativity

• Leadership shapes longevity

• Differentiation creates relevance

• Values outlast founders

These lessons remain relevant for modern entrepreneurs.

Conclusion

Advertising agencies founded by famous advertisers were not just businesses—they were expressions of belief. Founders like David Ogilvy, Bill Bernbach, Leo Burnett, and Dan Wieden built agencies that reflected their philosophies about people, creativity, and persuasion.

These agencies shaped modern advertising by proving that ideas matter, culture matters, and leadership matters. Their influence continues to guide how brands communicate in an ever-changing media landscape.

Modern advertising stands on the foundations built by these visionary founders and the agencies they created.