McGarrybowen
McGarrybowen delivered strategically grounded, emotionally resonant creative advertising that built enduring brand equity for major consumer and B2B brands.
Last updated May 11, 2026 by the ATDb Editorial Team
- Industry
- Creative Advertising Agency
- Business Model
- Agency
- Target Market
- Enterprise
- Employee Count
- 1001-5000
- Parent Company
- Dentsu
- API Available
- No
Was a top-tier full-service creative agency within the Dentsu network, known for brand-building work with Fortune 500 clients before being absorbed into Dentsu Creative in 2022.
McGarrybowen was a full-service creative advertising agency founded in 2000 by Gordon McGarry, Stewart Bowen, and John Butler in New York City. The agency built a strong reputation for brand-building work across major consumer categories, attracting blue-chip clients such as Marriott, United Airlines, Verizon, Disney, and Kraft Heinz. It was widely recognized for its strategic creative approach and grew rapidly to become one of the most prominent independent agencies of its era before being acquired by Dentsu. Dentsu acquired McGarrybowen in 2008, integrating it into its global network while allowing the agency to maintain its distinct brand identity and culture. Under Dentsu's ownership, McGarrybowen expanded its footprint with offices in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, London, and other markets, operating as a flagship creative agency within the Dentsu portfolio. The agency won numerous industry awards and was consistently ranked among the top creative agencies in the United States. In 2022, Dentsu consolidated several of its creative agency brands — including McGarrybowen, 360i, Isobar, and others — into a unified entity called Dentsu Creative. This restructuring effectively retired the McGarrybowen name after more than two decades of operation. The consolidation was part of Dentsu's broader strategy to streamline its agency portfolio and present a more unified creative offering to global clients. McGarrybowen's legacy lives on through the talent, client relationships, and creative philosophy absorbed into Dentsu Creative.
Brand Strategy
Strategic brand positioning and identity development for major consumer and enterprise clients.
Creative Advertising
Full-service creative development across TV, digital, print, and out-of-home channels.
Integrated Campaigns
Cross-channel integrated marketing campaigns spanning paid, owned, and earned media.
Digital Marketing
Digital and social media creative services including content strategy and production.
- 2000Founded
- 2022Rebranded to Dentsu Creative