In a surprise move, Nick Brien is leaving Arc Worldwide as global CEO to become president-CEO at media agency Universal McCann.
Arc Worldwide President Marc Landsberg absorbs Brien’s duties, and the global CEO post won’t be filled.
Brien, at the helm of Chicago-based Arc since February 2004, has been the cornerstone to integrating below-the-line agencies owned by Publicis Groupe under the Arc name worldwide— the absorption of Frankel and the restructuring of account services. Landsberg has played a key role in Arc’s integration, especially in North America.
Arc’s top management has been in flux for the past three months. Arc lost CEO-North America Dick Thomas in mid-May (April 26 Xtra), and executive VP-client solutions Brad Back in July (July 5 Xtra). Back was Arc’s point person for Procter & Gamble work, and also coordinated account services for Miller Brewing Co., United Airlines, Coca-Cola and Capital One.
Landsberg has picked up Thomas’ tasks until Arc hires a new CEO-North America. Arc also plans to hire an exec to pick up Back’s global work, and spread his responsibilities among current Arc staffers.
Brien came to Arc through Publicis sibling Leo Burnett, and spent most of his career in media at ad agencies, not in promotions. He had been president of corporate business development for Burnett spin-off Starcom MediaVest Group before joining Arc, with earlier stints as CEO and executive media director of Leo Burnett London, and media posts at Grey London and his own firm, BBJ.
The Universal McCann post “was obviously an offer he couldn’t refuse, putting Nick back on the media side where he’s had such success in the past,” said an Arc spokesperson.
Landsberg also came to Arc through Burnett: He had been chief strategy officer for Leo Burnett Worldwide, and continues as a Burnett executive VP.
