McDonald’s has appointed internal candidate Kevin Newell to replace Steve Easterbrook in its top global marketing role. Newell, who joined McDonald’s in 1989, will start on 1 February in the role of global chief brand officer.
He is currently senior vice-president and restaurant support officer for McDonald's US West division. He will be in charge of marketing, menu innovation and consumer insight at the fast food giant. He fills the role briefly occupied by former UK chief executive Steve Easterbrook. Easterbrook was appointed to the role in May last year, but in November, he moved to head up the chain’s European operations.
In his new role, he will report to chief operating officer Don Thompson.
Razorfish has promoted Wes Breyfogle, 40, to SVP, Business Development, Americas. In his role, Breyfogle will oversee business development and growth across the U.S. and Latin America and coordinate opportunities to collaborate with Publicis Groupe agencies.
Laura Klauberg, senior vice-president of global media at Unilever, is retiring from the company, effective 31 March. During her time in the role Klauberg has led the global media strategy and the recent global media review for Unilever. She has also been key to the company's investment in media innovation, including branded content on TV, mobile applications, the creation of online video content and the use of social media.
Bacardi Limited has announced the appointment of Robert Furniss-Roe as Regional President of Latin America with responsibility for leading all operations in the region.
Richard Pinder, COO at Publicis Group, after a review of the creative department in Spain, decided not to continue with three of their creative directors. Marcelo Vergara and Fabio Mazia return to Buenos Aires and will be responsable for the creativity in Latin America. Santiago Lucero also leaves the Spanish staff.
Africa, the Brizilian agency, hired Marcelo Kertesz as new VP Creative. Kertesz will work with Carlos Fonseca and Flacio Waitman. He has previously worked at Duda Propaganda.
Oscar Peña has been named Innovation and Development Director at Grey Spain. He will lead the operations with new clients and the development of the agency.
Pablo Rodriguez has been named Regional President for Latin America at Initiative. Rodriguez is replacing Annetta Cembrano who had left the agency to join MediaCom Chile.
Alejandro Manrique, a veteran journalist for newspapers, television and radio in the United States and Latin America, has been appointed Deputy Latin America Editor for Spanish Services for The Associated Press. Manrique will be based in Mexico City and oversee a team of about 30 editors, translators and reporters in Latin American and the United States.
