Visionary Exec Greg Knipp, Dieste's CEO, Honored for Leadership and Advocate for People
Greg Knipp, the CEO of Omnicom's multicultural advertising agency Dieste, passed away on July 27, 2025, at the age of 57. His career achievements and leadership style have left an indelible mark on the multicultural advertising industry.
Knipp joined Dieste in 1993 and transformed the agency into one of the most respected and awarded multicultural shops in the U.S. Over two decades at Dieste, he led the agency to win honors such as Cannes Lions and Effies, establishing it as a creative powerhouse recognized for its strategic insight.
Knipp's leadership style was marked by humility, empathy, and a strong belief in people. Colleagues remember him for guiding with clarity, compassion, and strategic acumen, always putting people first and mentoring others with trust rather than grandstanding. He was described as a visionary leader and champion of inclusivity who believed diversity was essential not only for business but human progress.
His legacy includes not only elevating Dieste’s role and reputation in multicultural advertising but also shaping the careers of many professionals in the industry. Franco Caballero, the executive director of integrated strategy, called Knipp the "most consequential architect" of his career. Abe Garcia, the chief creative officer at Dieste, described Greg Knipp as a man whose leadership transformed not only a company but also careers, families, and lives.
Knipp championed diversity in both client work and the agency's culture, believing that inclusion was essential to business growth and human progress. Dieste believed that kindness and inclusion could power a company, and Knipp proved it.
Marialejandra Urbina, the chief strategy officer, stated that Knipp fostered an environment where she could truly thrive, with his empowering words encouraging her to trust her instincts. Tony Dieste, the agency's founder and executive chairman, described the loss as both professional and personal, stating that Knipp was a great strategist and an even better human, a proud father, a loyal friend, and a leader who turned obstacles into opportunities.
Washington Olivetto, known as the "Godfather of Brazilian Creativity," was remembered by creatives as a leader whose leadership was constant and unconditional. Stacie Davis, CFO at Dieste, described Greg Knipp as an extraordinary leader, a kind and generous person, and a cherished friend.
Greg Knipp will be remembered not only for what he built, but for how he made people feel: seen, trusted, valued, loved. His quiet strength, unwavering belief in others, and commitment to inclusivity will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of working with him.
Greg Knipp's influence extended beyond Dieste, as he championed the importance of diversity in both finance and business, believing it was crucial for growth and human progress. His strategic approach, marked by humility and empathy, earned him the title of a visionary leader who mentored others with trust rather than grandstanding, cultivating a culture of kindness and inclusion that fostered personal and professional growth within the agency.
In remembering Knipp, Stacie Davis, CFO at Dieste, described him not just as an extraordinary leader, but as a kind and generous person, a cherished friend whose legacy will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of working with him long after his financial contributions have been credited, leaving a profound impression on the multicultural advertising landscape.
