- Adweek Staff

NEW YORK Havas' Euro RSCG today said it has appointed Ron Bess president of its North American operations.

As such, Bess (pictured) takes on chores previously handled by Esther Lee, who served as N.A. CEO prior to her Q4 '08 departure. Lee recently joined AT&T as svp, brand marketing and advertising.

Bess, who last year was elevated to N.A. COO, will also continue as CEO of Euro RSCG's office in Chicago. In his role as N.A. president, he will work closely with the agency's New York-based global CEO David Jones to help shape overarching strategy to fuel further growth. Ron Berger continues as Euro RSCG's N.A. chairman.

"[Bess] has done a fantastic job for us over the past five years, building Chicago's fastest growing major agency, driving our digital at the core strategy and contributing to a very good year for North America in 2008. This is really recognition of the role he has been playing for the last 12 months," Jones said in a statement.

Bess will be responsible for overall profitability and growth of the network's 3,000 employees.

Euro RSCG claimed double-digit revenue growth in both its Chicago and New York offices last year. Overall, agency revenue grew an estimated 8 percent in '08 to $720 million.

Bess joined Euro RSCG in 2004 as CEO in Chicago and is credited with guiding an impressive turnaround.