Deutsch NY
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations |
| Predecessor | Deutsch Inc. |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Founder | David Deutsch |
| Fate | Rebranded from Deutsch NY after acquisition by Attivo |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Chris Foster (CEO) |
| Products | Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations services |
| Owner | Attivo |
DNY, previously known as Deutsch NY, is a U.S.-based advertising firm located in New York City. Established in 1969 by David Deutsch under the name David Deutsch Associates, Inc., the agency adopted the name Deutsch Inc. in 1989 when leadership transitioned to Deutsch's son, Donny Deutsch.
The organization underwent a major change in November 2000 when it was purchased by Interpublic Group of Companies. In October 2020, Deutsch Inc. divided into two distinct agencies: Deutsch NY and Deutsch LA.
In January 2024, Interpublic sold Deutsch NY to Attivo, prompting a rebranding to DNY. Meanwhile, Deutsch LA remained part of Interpublic’s portfolio. Chris Foster currently leads DNY as CEO, guiding the company’s efforts to grow its presence and enhance business performance within advertising, marketing, and public relations under new ownership.
1969-2019 (operating as Deutsch Inc.)
David Deutsch founded David Deutsch Associates, Inc., the forerunner of Deutsch Inc., in New York City in 1969. Having previously served as a creative director at Ogilvy & Mather, Deutsch initially concentrated on print advertising campaigns.
Donny Deutsch joined the firm in 1983, steering its strategy towards integrated advertising and digital offerings. By 1989, the agency shortened its name to Deutsch to signify new leadership and an expanded emphasis on television advertising.
In 1995, the company established an office in Los Angeles and the following year introduced two new divisions: iDeutsch for interactive media and directDeutsch for direct marketing, broadening its service range. In 1999, it partnered with hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons’ Rush Communications to create dRush, targeting younger demographics.
Linda Sawyer took over as CEO in 2006, spearheading initiatives for strategic expansion. Val DiFebo became CEO of Deutsch NY in 2009, coinciding with a merger between the agency and IPG’s Lowe & Partners that positioned it as the North American center of operations under Sawyer’s guidance.
Donny Deutsch resigned as Chairman in 2015, with Linda Sawyer succeeding him. That same year, Kim Getty was elevated to president of Deutsch LA. Following corporate realignment, Lowe & Partners merged with Mullen Advertising to form the MullenLowe Group.
Mike Sheldon assumed the role of Chairman in 2017 while maintaining his position as CEO for North America. That year also saw the launch of Great Machine, an AI-focused practice designed to merge creativity with technology to boost competitive positioning.
By late 2019, Mike Sheldon stepped down from his Chairman role; Kim Getty became CEO of Deutsch LA while Val DiFebo continued leading Deutsch NY. Both executives reported directly to IPG COO Philippe Krakowsky.
In October 2020, Deutsch Inc. divided into two separate entities—Deutsch LA and Deutsch NY—reflecting a streamlined corporate structure tailored to better address their distinct market focuses.
2020-present (operating as DNY)
Among DNY’s prominent clients are AB InBev, Microsoft, PNC Bank, and Reebok. The agency has enhanced its data analytics, technology integration, and media services capabilities, placing strategic emphasis on artificial intelligence and remote content creation in response to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following its acquisition by Attivo in January 2024, Chris Foster was appointed CEO in June 2025.
Noteworthy Campaigns
In 1994, Deutsch created an IKEA commercial entitled Dining Room, notable for being the first widely recognized advertisement to feature openly gay characters.
Deutsch broke new ground in digital narrative in 2013 by producing a live Twitter adaptation of TNT’s crime series Mob City, significantly boosting audience interaction online.
The 2015 “Art Heist for Good” initiative, offered pro bono for water is Life, involved auctioning street artwork from Kenya’s Kibera slum to support projects providing clean water and sanitation.
In 2016, Deutsch introduced an acclaimed campaign for Sherwin-Williams’ Krylon brand called "The First Ever Pinterest Yard Sale," demonstrating innovative influence in creative marketing.
Awards
Deutsch has received prominent industry honors, including being named AdAge Agency of the Year in 2003 and earning the AdWeek Agency of the Year title in 1999, 2001, and 2002. The agency’s portfolio includes numerous prestigious awards such as Effies, Clios, Cannes Lions, ADDYs (American Advertising Awards), and Webbys, highlighting its leadership and excellence in advertising creativity.