GALE Announces New Leadership, Elevating Andrew Noel and Sophia Zhang to CEOs of Global and North America

Rhea-AI Summary

GALE, a Business Agency owned by Stagwell (STGW), has announced significant leadership changes with the elevation of Andrew Noel to CEO of Global and Sophia Zhang to CEO of North America. This transition follows the retirement of founding CEO Brad Simms.

Both executives, who have been with GALE for a decade, will co-lead the agency's strategic direction, focusing on enhancing their Alchemy.Ai technology and strengthening their strategic advisory services. The duo previously served as Managing Partners and will maintain oversight of client services.

GALE has achieved notable success in recent years, earning multiple industry recognitions including Ad Age's A-List, Data & Analytics Agency of the Year, and Adweek's Fastest Growing Agencies. The agency, founded in 2014, operates across multiple global locations including New York, Singapore, Toronto, and London, serving clients in automotive, QSR, retail, gaming, entertainment, and telecom sectors.

Positive

• Strong recent growth trajectory with multiple industry awards
• Seamless leadership transition with experienced internal executives
• Global presence across multiple major markets

Negative

• Departure of founding CEO could impact organizational stability

Noel and Zhang will co-lead the Stagwell (STGW) agency's strategic direction, doubling down on its award-winning Business Agency approach

NEW YORK, March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Business Agency GALE has announced new leadership, elevating two of its long-time senior executives, Andrew Noel and Sophia Zhang, to CEO of Global and CEO of North America, respectively. The new appointments come after GALE's founding CEO Brad Simms announced his retirement last month.

"Brad was integral to GALE's success and we wish him well in this next chapter," said Noel, one of GALE's co-founders. "As we take the baton, Sophia and I are excited to build on the agency's well-established legacy, emphasizing the disruptive approach and innovations that have made it one of the industry's most-awarded agencies."

Noel and Zhang, who have been with GALE for a decade, will continue driving the agency's status as a leader in modern marketing, doubling down on its strategic advisory offering, further enhancing its industry-leading technology, Alchemy.Ai, and fostering a continued emphasis on driving real business growth for its clients.

"GALE's culture of great people, great clients, and great work is one that we care about deeply," said Zhang. "The value we bring as a Business Agency is more critical than ever and will define our future success as we set the standard for excellence across creativity, strategy, and technology."

As Global and North America CEOs, Noel and Zhang will co-lead the agency's strategic vision and direction, expanding on a close partnership established in their previously held roles of Managing Partners. Both will maintain close oversight of client services and advisory, and have been integral in agency, client, and employee decision-making for several years.

Over the past few years, GALE has experienced unprecedented growth, earning accolades including Ad Age's A-List, Ad Age's Data & Analytics Agency of the Year, Adweek's Fastest Growing Agencies, Adweek's Breakthrough Media Agency of the Year, and Campaign US' Advertising Agency of the Year. It is also currently shortlisted for Campaign US' Digital Innovation Agency of the Year.

"I see a bright future for GALE's next chapter under Sophia and Andrew's leadership," shared Chairman and CEO of Stagwell Mark Penn. "GALE sits at the forefront of modern marketing, and I feel confident the agency will continue to drive strong client outcomes across creative and media ecosystems under their leadership."

About GALE 
GALE is a Business Agency. We bring business insights to brand storytelling and activate across every channel. With expertise in business strategy, CRM, loyalty, brand storytelling, integrated, performance, creative, and content marketing, experience design and media, GALE creates marketing systems and communications that grow businesses. GALE delivers strong business outcomes for its partners in automotive, QSR, retail, gaming, entertainment, telecom and more. Founded in 2014, the agency currently has offices in New York, Singapore, Toronto, Denver, Los Angeles, London, Austin, Kansas City and Bengaluru. GALE has received top industry awards including Ad Age's A-List, Ad Age's Data & Analytics Agency of the Year, Adweek's Fastest Growing Agencies and Adweek's Breakthrough Media Agency of the Year.

Contact:
Mary Moczula
mary.moczula@galepartners.com

 

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SOURCE Stagwell Inc.

FAQ

What changes did Stagwell (STGW) announce for GALE's leadership structure?

Stagwell announced the promotion of Andrew Noel to CEO of Global and Sophia Zhang to CEO of North America, following founding CEO Brad Simms' retirement.

How long have GALE's new CEOs been with the company?

Both Andrew Noel and Sophia Zhang have been with GALE for a decade, previously serving as Managing Partners.

What recent industry awards has GALE received under Stagwell (STGW)?

GALE has received Ad Age's A-List, Data & Analytics Agency of the Year, Adweek's Fastest Growing Agencies, and Breakthrough Media Agency of the Year awards.

What are the key focus areas for GALE's new leadership team?

They will focus on enhancing Alchemy.Ai technology, strengthening strategic advisory services, and driving business growth for clients.