Wunderman tapped vice chairman David M. Sable for the new role of global chief operating officer, moving him from heading the direct and interactive marketing agency's Europe, Middle East and Africa operations.
Sable returns to New York from London, having served two years as president/CEO of the operations outside the United States, Asia and Latin America. Marcus H. Starke takes over Sable's old job, relinquishing his post as chairman/CEO of Publicis Frankfurt but staying put in Frankfurt.
“My focus is to deliver the strategic plan to ensure that our global and local clients are served by our network,” Sable said.
News of Sable's appointment comes less than three weeks after Wunderman rival Draft Inc. named Laurence Boschetto worldwide president and chief operating officer and successor to founder Howard Draft.
Sable, who led Wunderman New York from 2000 to 2003, also is charged with supporting and winning large accounts for the agency. He continues to report to Wunderman chairman/CEO Daniel Morel, who will focus on the agency's interactive practice, agency acquisitions, Asia and Latin America.
Starke was hired for his experience in relationship marketing. Prior to Publicis Frankfurt, he was CEO of 141 Worldwide's European operations. He also held marketing positions at Diageo's Cinzano International in Switzerland and Italy, Danone's Star S.p.A and Pirelli Tyre Group, both in Italy. Jan. 30 was Starke's first day at Wunderman.
Wunderman serves global clients like Microsoft Corp., IBM Corp., Citibank, Pfizer and at&t Corp. The agency is part of WPP Group PLC's Young & Rubicam Brands.
As Wunderman grows, a major part of Sable's job is to ensure all Wunderman offices are on the same page.
“I think the biggest challenge is making sure you have a real network that, whenever you touch it, gives back the same vibe,” he said.
Mickey Alam Khan covers Internet marketing campaigns and e-commerce, agency news as well as circulation for DM News and DMNews.com. To keep up with the latest developments in these areas, subscribe to our daily and weekly e-mail newsletters by visiting www.dmnews.com/newsletters
