Agency conglomerate Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN) has announced that Jerry Buhlmann is stepping down as CEO after nine years in the role.

Buhlmann joined Aegis Group plc in 1999, becoming CEO in 2010 and then boss of DAN in March 2013 after the acquisition of Aegis Group plc by Dentsu Inc.

He will formally step down as CEO on 31 December 2018 and continue to work as a special advisor to Dentsu Inc. in 2019.

Tim Andree, executive chairman of DAN, and member of the board and executive vice president of Dentsu Inc., will combine the CEO role with his current duties.

Buhlmann said: “After nine years as CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network and before that Aegis Group plc, I am very proud of what the organisation has achieved in that time.

“The highlight for me has been working with a group of very talented people and the impact we have been able to make based on strong team work, a supportive parent company and a dynamic culture.

“Importantly at this time, the quality of the executive management team is exceptional, the business has strong momentum, and I’m confident will continue to thrive and grow strongly at a time of disruptive change in the market.

“Dentsu Aegis Network is a critical part of the Dentsu Group’s growth story, and with Yamamoto-san leading the Group and Tim Andree leading Dentsu Aegis Network, I have no doubt that the future will be very bright as the business moves to the next phase of its development.”

Toshihiro Yamamoto, representative director, president and CEO of Dentsu Inc., said: “From the start, Jerry has had a bold vision for Dentsu Aegis Network. His drive and leadership has ensured that Dentsu’s acquisition of Aegis Group plc has been an outstanding success.

“Dentsu Aegis Network is today a highly integrated and highly competitive global marketing service group built for the digital economy.

“Since 2013, Dentsu Aegis Network has doubled its revenues from £1.8 billion to £3.6 billion and grown organically at twice the rate of its competitors. The Dentsu board thanks Jerry for this great contribution and leadership.

Yamamoto said he was delighted to appoint Andree as Buhlmann’s successor.

“Ever since joining Dentsu in 2006, Tim has led the globalisation of the Dentsu Group,” he said.

“As a member of the Dentsu Inc. board and also the executive chairman of Dentsu Aegis Network, Tim has a deep understanding of the business’s market proposition, culture and values.”

Commenting on his new role, Andree said: “The remarkable growth and momentum of Dentsu Aegis Network is a credit to Jerry, and the deep and broadly talented management team that has been cultivated.

“I have worked hand in hand with Jerry and the management team over the years, and for this reason, the Dentsu Aegis Network management will move to the next stage with strong continuity and stability.

“We will continue to evolve as the most collaborative of networks known for its creativity, client focus and innovation.”