• by Steve McClellan  @mp_mcclellan, July 24, 2013

Interpublic Group’s McCann Worldgroup has poached a hotshot auto creative executive from rival JWT to oversee creative duties for the North American region of Commonwealth, the dedicated McCann unit for client Chevrolet. 

Gary Pascoe has departed JWT/Team Detroit where he was executive creative director to become NA chief creative officer, Commonwealth, McCann confirmed Wednesday. 

Pascoe will oversee a creative department of approximately 60 individuals with responsibility for the Chevrolet brand, nameplate, promotional and retail advertising activity -- including digital and social -- across North America. 

Bill Kolb, chairman and CEO of Commonwealth, stated: “We have in place a strong and passionate group of creative leaders around the world. I believe, under their leadership, Commonwealth” is well-positioned to “deliver effective, forward-thinking strategic and creative solutions to help lead our work for GM and Chevrolet.

Commonwealth was formed last year as a unique joint venture between competitors McCann and Omnicom Group’s Goodby Silverstein & Partners to run the global Chevrolet creative account. But the partnership fizzled, and McCann took it over earlier this year.

Pascoe will have creative oversight of Commonwealth’s consolidated business in North America. He has ample experience working on car brands, including Nissan, during an eight-year stint with TBWA\Chiat\Day that began in 1997. Later, at BBDO Detroit he worked on Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge. In 2010 he moved to the post at Team Detroit, where he was responsible for Ford Cars, North America, and helped launch Ford’s first-ever global advertising campaign for the Ford Focus.