ad: Annual 2024 Now Open For Entries!
*

Top 10 Hires of the Week

Published by

Wunderman

*

Wunderman CEO Mark Read has named Seth Solomons as CEO for North America. With over 20 years of global experience, Solomons brings to Wunderman strategic thinking, dynamic leadership and a history of innovative solutions that produce results. Based in New York, he will lead Wunderman's 2,200+ people in 43 office across North America and serve on Wunderman's Executive Board and report directly to Read. Seth spent the last two years at R/GA, first as Managing Director of the NY office and then President, R/GA US. Before R/GA, Seth was the CEO of CRM365, a platform-based start-up focused on using data to deliver more relevant content to consumers 365 days/year. Seth returns to Wunderman, where he served as an SVP, account director from 1992-2000. During his tenure, he led efforts on American Express, Nabisco and Astra Zeneca.

Wunderman CEO Mark Read has named Seth Solomons as CEO for North America

Read said: “Throughout his career, Seth has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to clients, providing them with insight-driven ideas. He brings a high energy level and a strong perspective on the value and power of creativity and data.” Solomons added: “I decided to return to Wunderman because it's an exciting point in time in the evolution of a great agency. Mark has assembled a very strong team. There is depth at every level and I am proud to be a part of Wunderman once again.”

*

On the other side of the globe, Wunderman has also promoted Keith Tan to the newly created role of executive creative director in Southeast Asia. Effective immediately, Tan reports into Nimesh Desai, managing director of Wunderman Southeast Asia. Tan has served as executive creative director for Wunderman Singapore and Comwerks since 2013. He co-founded Comwerks in 2002 and has served as its creative lead ever since. When Comwerks joined Wunderman in 2010, Tan became creative director for both agencies. He has been recognised at awards shows such as MOBex, Smarties, W3, SiTF, Webaward and Interactive Media Awards, and was one of the keynote speakers at Spikes Asia 2013.

Keith Tan has been promoted to the newly created role of ECD at Wunderman Southeast Asia

Desai said: “Wunderman’s expertise lies at the collision of data and creativity. The expansion of our Southeast Asian team is but the latest step in our move to fortify these pillars and take our creative thinking to the next level.” Tan added: “We’re full of talented creatives here, and our clients are increasingly excited to get involved in bold, thought-provoking campaigns. I aim to set the stage for more inspiring yet strategically-driven work and streamline the sharing of resources across our network.”

Grey Spain

*

David Patton, president and CEO of Grey Group EMEA, has appointed Javier Suso as CEO of Grey Spain. He will replace John Lynn who is assuming a new role as regional leader for Y&R and Wunderman across Latin America. Grey Spain ranks among the largest and most integrated agencies in Spain serving blue-chip clients such as Procter & Gamble, GlaxoSmithKline, Vodafone, Allianz, Volvo, Domino's and Big Cola with capabilities across the whole communications spectrum. Suso comes to Grey from VCCP Spain where as managing director he founded the agency in 2012 and built it in to one of the fastest growing agencies in the Spanish market. Previously, he was managing director of Shackleton.

Javier Suso has been appointed as CEO of Grey Spain by Grey EMEA CEO David Patton

Patton said: “I'm really excited by Javier's appointment. He's got a brilliant strategic and creative mind and has proved himself as a strong and decisive agency leader adept at both client management and new business. He's a modern day leader with infectious energy and a zest for life that will truly invigorate our agency and I'm sure will bring a massive smile to our clients' faces.” Suso added: “Grey Group has been through an amazing transformation in the last few years and today is among the most admired agency networks around the world due to its creative performance, integrated capabilities and business growth. I am very excited to be joining the best agency at a time when brands need agencies not just to create ads but also to help them to transform their business.”

FleishmanHillard

*

FleishmanHillard has appointed Magdalene Lee as general manager of the agency's Malaysia office. An award-winning marketing and communications professional, Lee brings significant integrated communications expertise to the agency. In her new leadership role for FleishmanHillard's Kuala Lumpur operations, she will be focused on building its track record for highly effective, fully integrated campaigns combining public relations, brand marketing, social and digital across media platforms. She joins FleishmanHillard from ARC Worldwide, a division of Leo Burnett. She succeeds Chomaine Chai who is moving back to her home country, Singapore, after nearly four years at the helm of FleishmanHillard in Malaysia.

FleishmanHillard has appointed Magdalene Lee as general manager of the agency's Malaysia office

Lynne Anne Davis, FleishmanHillard president of Asia Pacific, said: “Magdalene is a progressive thinker who understands the power of integration and brings an open mind and fresh creativity to every client challenge. Her rich skill set across disciplines makes her a multi-talented leader equipped to set the agency on a path of continued growth and innovation in Malaysia. We are excited to welcome her to the team.”

*

FleishmanHillard has also announced the appointments of Ephraim Cohen and Mitch Germann as General Managers of the New York and Los Angeles offices, respectively. Both will drive strategic vision in their offices as well as the integration of social, digital and creative throughout all communications services, and will report to agency president JJ Carter. Cohen takes the position after serving as East Region social and digital lead since March of 2014 and Germann takes the helm of the operations in Los Angeles and Orange County after nearly four years at the firm's San Francisco office.

FleishmanHillard has also announced the appointments of Ephraim Cohen and Mitch Germann as General Managers of the New York and LA offices

Carter said: “Our aspiration is to be the most complete communications firm in the world. We will achieve this by helping clients build truly integrated programs that fully leverage the power of creative social content. By appointing two of our leading social strategists to lead offices in New York and Los Angeles, we expect to accelerate the adoption of these skills on both coasts.” Cohen added: “This office has a culture that is anchored in digital and is committed to developing programs that are inherently social. I'm thrilled to be taking this next step with the incredible team in New York,” and Germann also adds: “Our offices in Los Angeles and Orange County are thriving, and it's an honour to work with these dynamic teams.”

Designworks Melbourne

*

Designworks Australia has appointed Axel Dench as a new senior strategist on its Melbourne team. The appointment follows a string of new hires in the past 12 months, made to meet the needs of Designworks’ ever-growing pipeline of strategic work. As a senior strategist Axel will lead client engagements and will be heavily involved in new business development. Dench brings many years’ of experience working with blue chip Australian brands, and was central to the repositioning of CUB following its carve out of Treasury Wine Estates. Having worked in several communications agencies, he also brings additional capabilities in brand strategy activation.

Designworks Australia has appointed Axel Dench as a new senior strategist

Designworks Australia managing director Brad Doble said: “Our strategy and design teams form a world-class combination. They have brilliant talent, great vision and work across an enviable client base. Axel brings a range of valuable experience to this team and his strategic vision is one that aligns with our focus on brand experience. We’re excited to have him on board. The continued expansion of our strategy capabilities will give us the scale and momentum to drive Designworks Australia into the next phase of growth,” continued Doble. Dench added: “Designworks' ability to shape and create brand experiences for their clients audiences across every touch point, is something that particularly attracted me to the organisation. I’m looking forward to adopting their user-centric design approach, to develop physical and digital recommendations for clients.”

MSLGROUP

*

MSLGROUP has announced Ron Guirguis as CEO of its US operation, effective September 14, reporting to global CEO Guillaume Herbette. Guirguis moves to the PR and engagement network from Edelman New York, where he headed their corporate and public affairs offering, the largest practice of its kind in the PR industry globally. Working together with Guillaume Herbette, Arthur Sadoun, Publicis Worldwide CEO, and leaders throughout the region and across the network, Guirguis is charged with leading MSLGROUP on a strong growth path to be one of the top agencies in the US. Prior to joining Edelman in 2012, Guirguis spent 13 years at FleishmanHillard, having held the role of Managing Director of Public Affairs for FH Canada and then Senior Vice President, Senior Partner and Deputy General Manager of FH's New York office.

MSLGROUP has announced Ron Guirguis as CEO of its US operation

Herbette said: “Ron's strong client experience and proven leadership skills have made him a natural choice to take MSLGROUP to the next level in the U.S., working with our teams to deliver the very best for our clients. He has the heart and courage to help MSLGROUP take on the biggest client challenges and the tenacity to see them through.” Guirguis added: “This is a tremendous opportunity MSLGROUP is doing some of the very best work in the industry. It has the talent, creativity and insight to build on the award-winning work the team is already doing and deliver truly integrated marketing communications programs that drive business value for clients. I am excited to join MSLGROUP and the Publicis Groupe family.”

Gravity4

*

Gravity4 has welcomed Tom Bang, former managing director at RadiumOne, as managing director in Northern Europe. Bang will assume all roles and responsibilities to expand Gravity4's global presence into the European market as well as opening up 6 new offices in Europe. Bang holds over 18 years of experience within the advertising space and has continued to make strides within the industry. At his most recent role, Bang was responsible for the launch of RadiumOne in Nordics focusing on relation building among publishers, networks, agencies, and direct brand advertisers. Beginning October 1st, 2015, Tom Bang will focus on growing Gravity4's European market expanding its unique offering to brands, agencies, and publishers throughout Northern Europe.

Gravity4 has welcomed Tom Bang as managing director in Northern Europe

Gurbaksh Chahal, chairman & CEO of Gravity4, said: “It's an honour to re-partner with someone like Tom. His background matches exactly what we were looking for in a Managing Director as we expand globally. He's going to be a tremendous asset to our European customers, and I'm honoured to be working with him by my side.” Bang added: “Today I'm excited to join Gravity4 and, once again, become a part of a company with a clear vision, and an excellent management team. With the speed at which Gravity4 operates, and being the only company with its unique offering made me realise the impact in bringing disruption as we build Gravity4 into a multi-billion dollar global company.”

Ogilvy & Mather UK

*

Ogilvy & Mather UK has announced Charlie Rudd as O&M Advertising’s new CEO. Rudd, who is currently serving as chief operating officer of BBH, will sit on the group board and report into CEO Annette King. Prior to his COO role at BBH, Rudd was MD of the agency for 6 years when it won many agency of the year awards. BBH London is frequently one of the most awarded agencies at Cannes as well as topping Campaign's new business league. Rudd has been working alongside CEO Ben Fennell and ECD Nick Gill in developing the business beyond its core advertising business with the creation of satellite units such as BBH Sport and Black Sheep Productions.

Ogilvy & Mather UK has announced Charlie Rudd as O&M Advertising’s new CEO

King said: “Charlie is one of those characters who when you first meet him, you know everything is going to be great. His passion for creativity and strategy shines through in heaps, but his humour and wit keep you smiling and wanting more. He’s a great addition to the team.” Rudd added: “O&M is where I learnt so much about advertising and it is an honour to be coming back as CEO. It was always going to need to be something special to make me want to leave BBH, but the opportunity to take O&M to the heights it deserves was too great to turn down. I'm looking forward to working with Annette and the wider team at O&M to drive the business forward.”

Butler Shine Stern & Partners

*

Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners is adding to the depth of its creative department with the promotion of Mark Krajan to creative director. Krajan has worked at BSSP for almost four years as an Associate Creative Director where he has played a major role in highly recognised campaigns for MINI, T-Mobile, Google, Priceline and others. Krajan joined BSSP in 2011 from SA-5 (now Teak) a small agency he co-founded with such clients as Logitech, Yahoo, SF Travel and others. Previous to that, he worked at McCann SF, TBWA/Chiat Day in LA and as a freelancer at numerous agencies.

Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners has promoted Mark Krajan to the role of creative director

John Butler, EECD at BSSP, said: “Mark is a true creative leader who encourages great thinking from others. He’s made significant contributions to the work moving our ideas across platforms and channels, and along with creative directors Tom Coates and Lyle Yetman, will continue to deliver great work for our clients. His promotion follows several high profile wins by BSSP in the past two months including Nature Made and Draft Kings.

Comments

More Leaders

*

Leaders

Inspiring Female Leaders: An Interview with RAPP CEO Gabrielle Ludzker

Gabrielle Ludzker is not just any CEO. The current head honcho at customer experience agency RAPP has spent her career breaking away from the traditional corporate CEO stereotype. and leads to inspire rule breakers. Gabby is an inspirational rule...

Posted by: Benjamin Hiorns
ad: Annual 2024 Now Open For Entries!