The global advertising industry expects the naming of Nick Brien as CEO of McCann Worldgroup today. Brien’s appointment ends lengthy speculation of succession from incumbent John Dooner. Dooner is expected to take the position of Chairman.
Interpublic Group’s largest agency network, McCann Worlgroup is expected to benefit heavily from Brien’s appointment. As CEO of Mediabrands, Brien is credited with overhauling Interpublic Group’s media outfits that include Universal McCann, Magna Global and Initiative. Brien, was Universal McCann’s CEO before taking the helm of Mediabrand in 2008.
His promotion was through his ability to turnaround the outfit, with new hires, as well as introducing his own agency mode. The master stroke kept its key clients, foremost of which is Johnson & Johnson and its billion-dollar account.
With the position comes expected results. Brien is reportedly already making moves to beef up McCann’s digital capabilities.
A 20-year advertising veteran, Brien was Chief Executive of Leo Burnett London. He was also the CEO of Arc, Publicis Groupe’s direct marketing network. He left Arc in 2005 to join Universal McCann as chief executive. Brien was president of corporate business development at Starcom MediaVest Group in Chicago before his stint at Arc.
adobo magazine. The Word on Advertising.
