NEW YORK—Leading US independent Gibbs & Soell, best known for its work in the business-to-business arena, has named Luke Lambert, previously president, to the expanded role of president and chief executive officer. Lambert will take on leadership for the agency—which has 10 shareholders and 100 employees—and succeeds Cos Mallozzi, who is retiring from the firm after more than 35 years.

In addition, Jeff Altheide is promoted to executive vice president of Gibbs & Soell, and will focus on the agency’s business development and growth strategies.

Mallozzi, 60, spent nearly 20 years as the agency’s CEO following the retirement of Dick Gibbs, who co-founded the agency in 1971 with Dick Soell.

Lambert joined G&S in 1996 and has served as vice president of business development, managing director of the New York headquarters, and president. He became an agency shareholder in 2001.

Altheide has been with G&S for more than three decades, including 15 years as managing director of the firm’s Chicago office. He was elected an agency shareholder in 1995.