Dentsu Aegis Network Names New CEO for the Americas
Jacki Kelley will succeed Nick Brien at the beginning of 2020
The end of the year continues to see executive leadership changes for Dentsu Aegis Network. Nick Brien is stepping down as CEO of the Americas at the end of 2019, with Jacki Kelley taking on the role at the beginning of 2020.
Kelley joined Dentsu Aegis Network as U.S. chief client officer earlier this year, following stints in executive leadership roles for IPG Mediabrands and Bloomberg.
“Jacki has been a recognized and admired leader in this industry for over 25 years. Since bringing her into DAN earlier this year as U.S. President, she has made tremendous progress in architecting our client and brand solutions strategies across all capabilities, while also leading the U.S. creative line of business,” Brien said in a statement. “She is absolutely the right person to lead Dentsu into 2020 and beyond.”
“I am thrilled to be tasked with this important role. Dentsu has the best capability in all the areas that matter most to clients and a commitment to integrate them with ease,” Kelley added. “Nick assembled a world-class leadership team to help navigate the ever-changing landscape, and I’m so proud of what we have already accomplished.”
In the role, Kelley will report directly to Dentsu Aegis Network global CEO Tim Andree and work closely with DAN Americas chairman David William as well as Brien, who will remain with Dentsu Aegis Network during the transition through Q1.
Brien has served as Dentsu Aegis Network Americas CEO since 2017, when he arrived from iCrossing.
“During Nick’s time as DAN Americas CEO, he has made a significant contribution to the business’s turnaround,” Andree said in a statement. “Nick has attracted key talent to DA, including Jacki, led many impressive winning pitches and as importantly, reignited the M&A momentum across the region. He has successfully steered the Americas business back to growth.”
He continued: “As DAN U.S. president, Jacki Kelley brings the right leadership acumen, client management skills and commercial experience as well as operational, organizational and strategic expertise. Jacki is Nick’s ideal successor to take the Americas business forward.”
The transition follows a strong year for Dentsu Aegis Network in the region, particularly in terms of new business for its media agencies. According to COMvergence, Dentsu Aegis Network led media agency groups for new business through Q3 with a net revenue of nearly $1.9 billion.
