Saying that the wounds inflicted by the pandemic were “too deep,” doug&partners founder and CEO Doug Robinson announced Friday that he is closing his namesake agency after 20 years in business.

“[I]t is with both pride and sadness that I announce that doug&partners will be closing its doors on June 1,” he said in a post on the agency’s LinkedIn page.

Robinson launched what was then called the Doug Agency in 2002. It underwent a few different name changes over the next 20 years, including Doug & Serge, and later DS+P, before settling on its final incarnation as doug&partners.

Prior to launching the agency, Robinson was instrumental in building Ammirati Puris in Toronto in the 1990s. A long list of today’s top industry executives worked under Robinson at Ammirati, which was regarded as one of the country’s top agencies at the time.

“I have had the honour and privilege of working with some of Canada’s brightest talents and working for some of the world’s greatest clients,” he said. “When I think of all we have accomplished together, especially over the last few years as we have battled through Covid, there is not a day that does not fill me with happiness.”

Robinson said that he had begun considering the next 20 years of his life, and said that he’s learned that one of the best things to do when seeking an answer is to pause and think. “I have decided to pause, think, and most importantly rest as I plan out my next chapter,” he wrote.

“While I will be winding down the agency my gratitude will be eternal,” he continued. “We’re proud of the work we achieved, and the spirit of doug&partners lives on in the group that’s now for hire.” The post puts the agency’s head count at 18.