Isabella Sanchez Named Head of Zubi as Tim Swies Announces Retirement

Isabella Sanchez will take over as Executive Director, Head of Zubi, effective January 1, 2027, succeeding Tim Swies, who will retire at the end of the year after 31 years with the agency and more than five decades in the advertising industry.

With 15 years of experience at Zubi, Sanchez currently serves as VP of Media Integration and is a recognized leader in the Hispanic advertising industry. She also serves as Chair of the Hispanic Marketing Council, where she plays an active role in advancing the industry’s growth and representation.

Throughout her career, Sanchez has developed expertise in identifying emerging industry trends, segment intelligence, growth hacking, and creative excellence. Her deep understanding of Zubi’s culture and values, combined with her strategic vision, positions her to lead the agency into its next chapter.

Her appointment marks a leadership transition for Zubi, following three decades under Swies, who joined the agency in 1996 after answering a call from founder Tere Zubi. During his tenure, he helped transform Zubi from a Miami-based regional agency into a national advertising powerhouse serving major clients, including Ford, JPMorgan Chase, Lincoln, Mars Petcare, and SC Johnson.

Swies also guided the agency through significant milestones, including its integration into WPP in 2017 and the VML network in 2021, strengthening its position within the broader advertising industry.

“Working alongside Tim has been a true privilege. Tim helped shape Zubi into the industry force it is today, and we’re indebted to his achievements over the past three decades,” said Jon Cook, VML Global CEO. “I’d also like to congratulate Isa Sanchez, a devoted champion of Zubi’s values whose leadership ensures the agency’s future is in great hands.”

As Isabella Sanchez prepares to assume her new role, Zubi enters a new phase focused on building upon its legacy in Hispanic marketing while continuing to evolve its capabilities in strategy, creativity, and audience intelligence.