Y&R Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Y&R has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, operations, and regional management.

Focused on delivering creative advertising solutions, Y&R empowers global brands through innovative marketing consultancy and strategic communication campaigns that drive measurable market impact across diverse international industries.

Leadership Roles at Y&R

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Fred Hawrysh
  • Chief Operating Officer (Argentina) - Francisco Diez Pena
  • President - Kary McIwain
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Bill Thompson
  • Fred Hawrysh - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Fred Hawrysh, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Y&R, directs the overarching strategic vision for the global advertising consultancy. Hawrysh architects high-level growth initiatives while ensuring alignment between creative output and client business objectives. By overseeing the executive leadership team, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains operational excellence across all international agency locations. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships with major global brands to expand market share through integrated marketing solutions. Fred Hawrysh monitors financial performance and resource allocation to sustain long-term profitability. Through constant evaluation of industry trends, the President & Chief Executive Officer adapts service offerings to meet evolving consumer demands. By driving innovation in advertising methodologies, Hawrysh secures the competitive position of the agency within the global marketplace. This executive oversight ensures that every campaign reflects the core mission of delivering impactful, data-driven marketing results for diverse enterprise clients.

    Francisco Diez Pena - Chief Operating Officer (Argentina)

    Francisco Diez Pena, the Chief Operating Officer (Argentina) at Y&R, manages the daily business functions and internal workflows within the South American market. Pena architects efficient operational processes that support the delivery of high-quality advertising services to regional clients. Overseeing local talent management and resource distribution, the Chief Operating Officer (Argentina) ensures that project timelines align with client expectations. This role involves streamlining cross-departmental communication to improve productivity and output quality. Francisco Diez Pena monitors regional performance metrics to identify areas for process optimization and cost reduction. By implementing standardized operational frameworks, the Chief Operating Officer (Argentina) maintains consistency with global agency standards while addressing specific local market nuances. This leadership function supports the expansion of the agency footprint by ensuring that regional operations remain agile and responsive to client needs. Through rigorous management of internal systems, Pena drives operational stability and contributes to the overall success of the agency in the region.

    Kary McIwain - President

    Kary McIwain, the President at Y&R, oversees the execution of client-facing service delivery and agency-wide performance standards. McIwain directs the implementation of strategic initiatives that enhance the quality of marketing consultancy provided to enterprise partners. By managing the integration of creative and analytical teams, the President ensures that all campaigns deliver measurable business outcomes. This leadership role involves coordinating with the executive board to refine service models and improve client retention rates. Kary McIwain monitors the effectiveness of internal workflows to ensure that the agency remains competitive in a fast-paced advertising environment. Through the oversight of key account management, the President drives growth and fosters long-term relationships with major global brands. This position requires balancing creative innovation with operational efficiency to meet the diverse needs of international clients. By maintaining high standards of service delivery, McIwain supports the agency mission of providing world-class marketing solutions that drive significant market impact.

    Bill Thompson - Chief Marketing Officer

    Bill Thompson, the Chief Marketing Officer at Y&R, manages the brand identity and external communication strategies for the agency. Thompson designs comprehensive marketing programs that highlight the consultancy expertise of the firm to potential global partners. Overseeing the development of promotional assets, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures consistent messaging across all digital and traditional channels. This role requires close collaboration with creative directors to showcase the unique value proposition of the agency. Bill Thompson analyzes market data to identify emerging opportunities for brand expansion in competitive sectors. By optimizing the lead generation funnel, the Chief Marketing Officer drives client acquisition and strengthens the reputation of the firm. This leadership position involves coordinating with regional teams to tailor marketing efforts for specific geographic markets. Through strategic brand positioning, Thompson enhances the visibility of the agency, ultimately supporting the broader business goal of maintaining a dominant presence in the global advertising industry.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Y&R Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Y&R?
    Y&R is led by Fred Hawrysh (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Francisco Diez Pena (Chief Operating Officer (Argentina)) and Kary McIwain (President).
    Who is part of Y&R’s executive team?
    The executive team of Y&R includes leaders such as Fred Hawrysh (President & Chief Executive Officer), Francisco Diez Pena (Chief Operating Officer (Argentina)), Kary McIwain (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Y&R have?
    Y&R has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Y&R’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Y&R includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer (Argentina), President, Chief Marketing Officer.