-Former Accenture digital strategy architect Mark Newcomer (ideal name) has joined WPP/JWT-owned Digitaria as SVP of strategy.
-Carmichael Lynch is celebrating spring and the fact that it’s received limited-edition ARTCRANK Shop Bikes, which are available for employee use (above). The agency’s new wheels also serve as fundraising tools for the World Bicycle Relief, which provides bikes to African communities.
-The New York Festivals International Advertising Awards (more on them later) has announced their 2013 shortlist. link (.pdf)
-Production company Caviar, Los Angeles has signed director David Rosenbaum for U.S. representation.
-Publicis Groupe-owned performance marketing agency Performics has appointed Michael Kahn as global president while hiring Moxie Interactive alum Jon Wegman as VP/strategy & planning.
-Speaking of the holding company, Elisabeth Ardaillon-Poirier and Anne-Gabrielle Heilbronner will assume the roles of SVP and general secretary (handling HR duties), respectively, at Publicis Groupe come May. The pair replaces Mathias Emmerich, who handled both roles but has decided to pursue other projects outside the agency.
-San Francisco-based agency Heat has named AOR for its hometown MINI dealership (not MINI USA) and in turn, will develop a new showroom and create a complementary campaign that will include the usual print, digital, TV, radio and social media.
-Santa Monica-based post-production/VFX company STEELE Studios has welcomed former Rhythm & Hues head of digital post-production Thom Burkhart as its new senior producer.