• by Richard Whitman , Columnist, January 20, 2016

Publicis Worldwide New York has promoted Carla Serrano to CEO. Previously, Serrano was chief strategy officer of Publicis Worldwide North America. She joined the agency in 2014. She will report to Publicis Worldwide North America CEO Andrew Bruce, who had temporarily filled the New York CEO slot.

Of the promotion, Bruce said: "The passion for what we make, the determination to work in lock-step with clients, and the collaborative spirit and willingness to jump in anywhere, at any time, are the hallmarks of today's most magnetic and effective leaders. All are attributes of abundance when describing Carla. Elevating Carla's role will ensure greater access and influence, which will serve to accelerate our ambitions and fuel our on-going transformation."

Bruce has been building a North American leadership team and Serrano will join Andy Bird, chief creative officer, New York; Dawn Winchester, chief digital officer, North America; and Nathalie Fagnan chief operating officer, North America.

Of taking on the role of CEO, Serrano said, "I am thrilled to be leading a transformative agency, in such a transformative time. Problem-solving and strategic planning will always be part of my DNA. As I look at our industry today, and at the types of challenges our clients face, I deeply believe that leadership founded on strategic skill-sets will be a great advantage."