• by Steve McClellan  @mp_mcclellan, May 29, 2015

Brand Union, WPP’s brand strategy and design agency, has promoted Toby Southgate to Worldwide CEO, effective July 1. 

Southgate previously served as CEO of Brand Union Americas and has been with the agency for the past seven years in a variety of roles, including managing director of Brand Union Middle East and CEO of Brand Union UK. 

Southgate will remain based in New York and report to Simon Bolton, group CEO of Brand Union and FITCH, the global retail design agency. Bolton held the global CEO post at Brand Union before being promoted to his current role in October 2013. 

Southgate is now tasked with managing the growth of the global network while continuing his responsibilities in the Americas. 

“Toby is a true professional in our industry and a trusted adviser to senior clients all around our network,” said Bolton. “He has a unique thought process and leadership style that enables him to have compelling conversations with clients, prospects and talent alike.” 

Southgate said, “Brand Union is all about creating brilliantly designed and beautifully connected experiences for our clients and their brands. There is much more to come.”