JWT Taps 3 Lowe Execs for Global Posts

JWT has hired three key execs from Lowe Latina in Spain, each of whom has extensive experience working on Unilever, a global client of both JWT and Lowe.

Jean-Louis Roche, Alex Pallete (pictured) and Facundo Goldaracena will assume global roles at WPP Group’s JWT. They now become part of a new task force that will focus on attracting global business and expanding existing client relationships.

“To make JWT the most successful network in global brand building, the [task force] will act as a SWAT team deployed to help tackle issues or opportunities on existing or potential global clients,” worldwide CEO Bob Jeffrey said, in a statement.

Roche, Pallete and Goldaracena will report to Jeffrey and Fernando Vega-Olmos, a former colleague at Lowe recruited to JWT in late 2008 to become creative chairman for continental Europe and Latin America. At Lowe, Vega-Olmos was known for his Unilever work as well.

Despite their experience on Unilever, Roche, Pallete and Goldaracena won’t be able to work on that client’s business at JWT for at least a year, based on non-compete clauses in their contracts at Lowe, according to sources. JWT’s other global clients include Shell, Nokia, Nestle and Cadbury.

Madrid-based Lowe Latina is one of the major hubs of the Interpublic Group shop’s worldwide network. Roche was CEO, Pallete was chief strategic officer and Goldaracena was a global creative director.

At JWT, the executives would still be based in Madrid, though they will travel as needed. Roche will become international head of business development, Pallete will be planning director for international business development and Goldaracena becomes cd for international business development. Their start dates have not be determined, according to an agency representative.