• by Richard Whitman , Columnist, May 12, 2014

As the Publicis Omnicom drama subsides, life goes on and agencies continue to do what they must to survive and move ahead. In a move that has Martin Sorrell smiling from ear to ear, WPP media agency Maxus has grabbed Steve Williams from Omnicom's PHD. Williams will become Maxus' North American CEO next month and will replace “retiring” Louis Jones. Williams will oversee the agency's New York, LA, Chicago, Minneapolis and Toronto offices.

Seems like we've been hearing about the AAF awards for months now but that hasn't stopped most shops from tooting their own horn during this long, drawn-out process. The latest shop to tout its achievements is San Diego-based Piston which has made it to the final round of the American Advertising Federation’s American Advertising Awards, formerly known as the ADDYs, nabbing five national awards for work done on behalf of client Cars.com. This year, San Diego- and New York-based Piston is the only agency from San Diego headed for the national and last leg of the three-stage competition that begins at the local Ad Club level. And we simply must know, Piston is the first San Diego agency ever to win more than three awards at the national level in the 46-year history of the competition. Piston also is the first San Diego agency since 2011 to make it to the nationals. Well, okay -- congratulations!

Well alright, then. Not just one agency can celebrate this victory. Way to spread the joy across three agencies, Reckitt Benckiser. The global consumer health, hygiene and home products company has appointed three new creative agencies to its global agency roster. Droga5 New York has been appointed to lead creative development on Air Wick and Clearasil globally. Wieden+Kennedy has been appointed to lead creative development on Finish globally. McCann has been appointed to lead creative development on Mucinex and Delsym. Why hook up with one agency when you can hook up with three? Threesomes are more fun, right? Oh, wait. That'd mean a foursome. Even better!

Building out its LA office, Lowe Campbell Ewald has created a new position -- executive strategy director -- and filled it with BBD alum, Craig Kleber. Prior to joining Lowe Campbell Ewald, Kleber was chief strategy officer at DDB LA. Kleber will be in charge of the agency's strategic planning efforts as well as generating new business. Great that Kleber has a new gig but we hear Lowe is not exactly in the best of positions right now. That said, we wish Kleber well in his new endeavor and we hope it all works out for everyone involved .