BBDO Dublin today announced that David Drohan will be joining the leading creative advertising agency as its new chief financial officer, effective immediately. Drohan joins from NextRoll (formerly Adroll) where he was financial director since 2016. Prior to this he was group financial controller at Havok, the Dublin based gaming technology firm. Drohan, who brings with him an extensive background in managing and driving growth, will report to Neal Davies, CEO BBDO Dublin and will join the agency's senior management team.
Drohan succeeds Allen Kiernan, who has been with BBDO Dublin (previously Irish International) since 1991. Kiernan, an integral part of BBDO Dublin, Irish International and the Irish advertising industry for many years, will remain a strategic advisor to the team during a transition period, before departing to work on new business ventures.
"Allen let the team know of his plans earlier in the year and we went through a lengthy recruitment process to replace him. I’m happy to say that David was our unanimous choice," said Neal Davies, CEO, BBDO Dublin. "He’s an experienced leader with a blue-chip pedigree and he brings us a fresh perspective from outside the traditional advertising industry. We're delighted he's on board."
Continued Davies: "Of course, it’s bittersweet, because our recruitment process was only necessary because of Allen's decision to leave the business. Allen was a crucial part of attracting me to BBDO Dublin and I know we’ll miss him while he’s off gallivanting.”
“I’ve had a wonderful 28 years with the company and wish Neal and all the gang continued success into the future” said Kiernan. "It’s a very special place to work, full of great people and I hope David will be as happy here as I have been.”
"I'm just thrilled to be working at an agency that continues to create so much great work”, said Drohan. "It’s an exciting, vibrant time at BBDO Dublin and I am looking forward to working with Neal and the entire team in Sandymount to continue that growth”.
Drohan trained as an accountant with Deloitte, is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland and holds a Masters in Accounting from the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School
