Birge Rises at TBWA\C\D N.Y.

NEW YORK TBWA North American president Robert LePlae has promoted Sprint Nextel account chief Robert Birge to the new post of managing director of TBWA\Chiat\Day here.

Birge, who previously was managing director on Sprint Nextel, the office’s largest account, will continue in his lead role on the business. As managing director, he will oversee day-to-day operations, including client service, recruitment and new business development. He joins a management team that includes LePlae, executive creative director Gerry Graf and Suzanne Powers, executive director of strategy and business development.