Dentsu Aegis make leadership changes in digital overhaul strategy
Dentsu Aegis Network has made top leadership changes as part of its digital overhaul strategy. Nick Brien, global CEO of iCrossing and president of Hearst Magazines, has been appointed CEO of DAN Americas. Meanwhile, Nigel Morris has been promoted from the position of CEO EMEA to the newly-created role of chief strategy and innovation officer. Both will sit on Dentsu Aegis's executive committee and report directly to CEO Jerry Buhlmann. The changes come as part of Dentsu Aegis' plan to transform into a fully digital economy business by 2020.

Dentsu Aegis Network has augmented its top leadership team with the appointment of Nick Brien as chief executive officer of DAN Americas and the promotion of Nigel Morris to the newly created position of chief strategy and innovation officer.

The appointments are designed to further Dentsu Aegis’ ambitions of transforming itself into a 100% digital economy business by 2020 by drawing on the best available talent from the advertising and digital marketing sectors.

Brien boasts 30 years of high-level experience within the industry, most recently as global CEO of iCrossing and president of Hearst Magazines but also as CEO of McCann Worldgroup. He commented: “It is a real honour to be taking the Americas CEO role, leading 13,000 people in 45 agency brands across 19 countries. I see great opportunity to build on the strengths of the Dentsu Aegis Americas team to innovate the way brands are built across the region.

“The future of Dentsu Aegis’ business is founded on the new marketing world where marketing is planned around people, and not just product. Bolstered by strategic acquisitions, including Merkle, and in the context of a transforming digital economy, Dentsu Aegis is at the forefront of this shift in our industry to people-based marketing. I’m excited to lead the Americas to achieve this ambitious agenda where sophisticated data analytics and real-time insight, enable us to imagine the best creative, experiences, engagement and addressability to deliver the best results for our clients.“

Morris meanwhile will be tasked with delivering innovative and strategic practices having previously served as CEO EMEA. He said: “The pace of change and transformation required, has become central to the role of marketing in our clients’ business models and growth strategies. There is a need for a new level of expertise from Agency groups, taking a consultative approach to drive new streams of revenue and value to our clients’ businesses and brands. This new role will enable us to work even closer with clients in the transition to a demand-led digital economy.”

Both appointees will take a seat on the Dentsu Aegis executive committee, reporting directly to CEO Jerry Buhlmann.

Dentsu Aegis US chief Rob Horler departed a fortnight ago after 17 years in charge of the group.