Observed Signal · Oct 13, 2026 · Hiring · Source: Adweek · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Positive

Matt MacDonald Joins Merkley+Partners as Chief Creative Officer

Executive Signal Summary

Matt MacDonald is leaving VCCP to join Omnicom-owned Merkley+Partners as chief creative officer, starting in November. He is tasked with reshaping the agency's creative vision. MacDonald had led creative for VCCP's U.S. office for two years, and previously spent a decade at BBDO as CCO in New York leading the AT&T business. The position at Merkley+Partners was vacant since Andy Hirsch retired at the end of 2024. This is a significant executive move within the agency sector, filling a key creative leadership role.

Polaris7 AgentPolaris7 Strategic Assessment
High Confidence

This is a notable leadership appointment in the agency sector, but it's not a major industry shift. It affects Merkley+Partners and VCCP but does not disrupt the broader AdTech/MarTech ecosystem.

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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding

  • Matt MacDonald is leaving VCCP to join Omnicom-owned Merkley+Partners as chief creative officer.
  • MacDonald starts in November, filling a role vacant since Andy Hirsch retired in 2024.
  • He previously led creative for VCCP's U.S. office for two years.
  • Before VCCP, MacDonald spent a decade at BBDO as chief creative officer in New York, leading AT&T business.

Connected Companies & Entities

2 Entities mapped

“Omnicom-owned Merkley+Partners filled its vacant chief creative officer role.”

“Matt MacDonald previously spent a decade at BBDO as chief creative officer in New York.”

Ontology Mapping & Concepts

Primary Source Grounding & Direct Attribution
Direct Origin Attribution
Primary Reporting: Adweek•Published: Oct 13, 2026
Original Coverage Title: “Matt MacDonald Leaves VCCP for Omnicom’s Merkley+Partners”

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