Stagwell rolls LA creative shop Wolfgang into Doner in west coast push

The agency will become part of the Doner network, and current creative boss Colin Jeffery will take on the role of chief creative officer of the combined operation.

Wolfgang will be added to the Doner Partner Network of agencies, alongside Cahoots, DonerNorth, Yamamoto, HarrisX and Veritas, cementing Doner and Stagwell’s presence on the west coast.

Stagwell has held a minority stake in Wolfgang since 2019, but increased that position to fully own the California agency. The addition of the company will improve its foothold in California, while bringing it an enviable client roster including Gillette, Adidas, Uniqlo, Panda Express, Unicef and Georgia Pacific.

David DeMuth, chief exec and chair of the Doner Partners Network, said: “Doner is not an agency that rests on its laurels, or really rests at all. We continue to grow, evolve and innovate, and that continues to attract top talent. We’re certain Colin will make an immediate impact as Doner’s CCO and are thrilled for what’s ahead as Wolfgang joins.“

The three founders of Wolfgang – Jeffery, chief strategy officer Seema Milller and chief executive Mike Geiger – will each take up roles within the wider Doner network. Geiger will lead production studio Cahoots, while Miller will lead “strategic and new business initiatives“ across the Stagwell group in addition to her position at Wolfgang.

“Doner has an incredible legacy and has created a wide range of iconic work over the years,” said Jeffery. “The agency’s ‘At the intersection of Modern & Main Street’ positioning is smart, widely relatable and very much in tune with the times. I’m looking forward to helping our clients create the next chapter of famous, transformational work. And with Doner’s diverse and impressive client roster, there’s opportunity all around us.”

The deal was announced to mark the 85th anniversary of Doner.