Gallo replaces Robert LePlea, who left last month.
Working closely with Mark Gigliulo, the chairman and chief creative officer at TBWA\Chiat\Day New York, Gallo will oversee an office that works on accounts including Michelin, Nivea and Snickers.
Tom Carroll, the president and chief executive of TBWA\Worldwide, said: "Jamie is a true reflection of what a leader in the industry has to be today. I am confident that he and Mark have the right kind of insight, creative passion and leadership that will define the future of the agency."