• by Steve McClellan  @mp_mcclellan, December 19, 2013

Peter Sherman, who joined JWT just four months ago as CEO of the agency’s New York office, has been elevated to CEO of JWT North America, the agency confirmed Thursday.

He replaces David Eastman, who is leaving the company and will be pursuing an “entrepreneurial endeavor” the agency said. The shop also said that Claire Capeci, Global Business Director at JWT New York, has been promoted to Managing Director of that office. 

“Since Peter joined JWT earlier this year, he has helped spark renewed momentum in the New York office,” said Bob Jeffrey, Chairman and CEO, JWT Worldwide.

The promotion, added Jeffrey, “is a reflection of [Sherman’s] drive and effective leadership. There’s no clearer evidence of the momentum shift in New York than the office’s recent run of new business wins – Energizer personal care, a new Google assignment and, last week, PUMA. Peter has the right mix of dedication and creativity – a true JWT leader – and I am delighted to see him take on expanded responsibilities in the region.”

When he first joined the agency during the summer Sherman assumed Eastman’s responsibilities for the New York office. Eastman, meanwhile retained oversight for the rest of North America.  

In his new role Sherman will continue to have responsibility for the New York office. He adds oversight of the agency’s offices and business units in in Atlanta, Chicago and Canada, as well as Digitaria, Lunchbox, JWT Inside, Casa and SCPF, as well as JWT’s stake in the WPP shopper and activation company Geometry Global. 

As Managing Director of the New York office, a new position there, Capeci will be tasked with leading the agency’s account management practice. She will also continue to lead the agency’s Macy’s and Energizer accounts, which she has led since 2007. 

Sherman joined JWT in August 2013 from BBDO, where he managed 35 BBDO offices in 18 countries across Europe. Prior to BBDO Europe, Sherman was based in San Francisco, serving as Managing Director at BBDO SF.