Arnold's effort to recast itself as a worldwide micro-network continues, with the Boston-based Havas agency naming Nick Dutton managing partner, global network, a new position.
He joins from Havas sibling Euro RSCG after running that agency's Luxe division, which focused on Jaguar and other high-end brands. Andrew Benett, also a Euro RSCG veteran, joined Arnold last month as the agency's chief executive officer, succeeding Fran Kelly, who moved to vice chairman.
Benett, who had said hiring a senior manager to oversee the agency's transition was a priority [1], noted Dutton's global experience as a good fit for Havas' vision of the agency's future model.
Now based in London, Dutton will relocate to Arnold's Boston HQ in the spring. Developing plans for expansion in Europe, Asia and South America are among his main tasks. He becomes the 11th managing partner at the agency.
Overall, Arnold has performed poorly in the last 18 months, though it has gained some momentum of late, adding accounts like Panasonic and Mike's Hard Lemonade.
This week, the agency emerged as a finalist [2] in the review for the $12-15 million account of drug firm Boiron.