By Rupal Parekh

Published 08.18.09

NEW YORK (From AdAge.com) -- McCann Erickson, New York, wasted no time in naming Thom Gruhler, exec VP-worldwide global account director on Verizon, president of the agency to succeed its outgoing leader, Lori Senecal.

 

 

Mr. Gruhler, 40, joined the office in 2004 and is responsible for bringing in the shop's largest U.S. account, its $1.9 billion Verizon business. In addition to daily oversight of the New York office, he'll continue to work closely on Verizon, a client he's had a relationship with since 2001, when Interpublic Group of Cos. tapped him to manage the account at the holding-company level.

 

"Thom's ability to deliver smart, effective, industry-leading work across communications channels is extraordinary, as are his leadership skills," said Eric Keshin, McCann Worldgroup chief operating officer and regional director of McCann Erickson North America, in a statement. "In partnership with Chief Creative Officer Joyce King Thomas, he truly is the right leader at the right time."

 

Mr. Gruhler is president of the Advertising Club of New York and last year was named to the AEF's Hall of Achievement, which honors leading marketing executives 40 and younger.

 

Meanwhile, Kevin Ramsey, regional director of McCann Erickson Asia-Pacific and head of its Japan operations, is leaving the agency. Michael McLaren, CEO of Worldgroup's global production entity, EXP, will fill the post in November.

 

Mr. McLaren, 45, is a former president of McCann Erickson U.S. who also worked for McCann in Australia and Asia. Mr. McLaren, a native of Australia, will relocate to Tokyo to oversee the network's Asia-Pacific operations, which span 24 cities in 17 countries.

 

McCann Worldgroup San Francisco President Matt Ross will replace Mr. McLaren at EXP. Mr. Ross, 49, came to McCann in 2005 as president and head of its global Microsoft account. He was previously chief operating officer of Ogilvy's IBM business.